This Date In Washington Senators history... [Archive] - Page 2

Steve Jeltz

11-04-2008, 09:41 PM

1914 The law prohibiting Sunday baseball in Washington remains intact when the Court of Appeals upholds the ban.

1940 Republican candidate Walter Johnson of Maryland is defeated in his bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Some of the worst trades are the ones you don't make.

Every franchise has missed on acquiring players that turned out to be stars, i.e. Pittsburgh passing up on Walter Johnson and the Browns not signing Mickey Vernon. But, it is doubtful that any franchise has ever missed out on so many stars and future Hall of Famers in such a short period of time as the Senators from 1968-1969. Here is a list of the known trade proposals that owner-GM Bob Short turned down.

After the 1968 season, Atlanta offered the Senators C Joe Torre, thought to washed up at 27, for 1B Mike Epstein and C Raul Casanova. Short said no. Atlanta dealt Torre to St.Louis, where the future manager became a 5-time All Star and 1971 NL MVP.

Oakland owner Charlie Finley wanted Epstein at all costs at the 1969 winter meetings. So desperate was Finley for Epstein, he offered "Catfish" Jim Hunter straight up for the Nats first sacker. A crafty GM would have seen if the desperate Finley would have been willing to include more (Reggie Jackson?) before accepting just Hunter. But, craftiness was not part of ol' Bob's repertoire, at least when it came to baseball personnel, and Hunter went on to the Hall of Fame. Finley eventually got his wish, acquiring Epstein and relief ace Darold Knowles for 1B Don Mincher, P Paul Lindblad, OF Frank Fernandez and $300,000 in June 1970. Yes, the miserly Finley gave Short $300,000.

During those same winter meetings in 1969, the Mets, looking to fill their perennial void at 3B, had their sights set on Ken McMullen. Short was given a choice of two young pitchers: Tug McGraw and a wild, flame thrower by the name of Nolan Ryan. Short said nay to both options. McGraw would go on to become a premier reliever for 15 seasons with the Mets and Philadelphia. Ryan? He would pitch another 24 years before the "Ryan Express" made its final stop in Cooperstown. :banghead:

That same 1969-1970 offseason, Calvin Griffith came calling. The Minnesota owner was interested in Senators slugging prospect Brant Alyea. Griffith offered unknown 24 year old infielder Graig Nettles for Alyea. Short, not wanting to be distracted from how much he was planning to raise ticket prices, passed on the offer.

Senators Birthdays

Making up for the lull in activity the last 2 days, there are 6 birthdays to report for November 5th. As always, in alphabetical order, we present the following...

John Craig (Sonny) Dixon B Nov. 5, 1924 Still Living

Signed by the Washington Senators in 1941, it would be 12 seasons before pitcher Sonny Dixon arrived on the major league scene. Making his debut as a 28 year old rookie, Dixon's first season in the bigs would see him post a 5-8 record with a 3.75 ERA, pitching in 43 games for the Senators.

Returning with the Senators in 1954, Dixon would pitch in 16 games for the Senators, going 1-2 before being traded to the Chicago White Sox for Gus Keriazakos in mid-June.

Dixon would never suit up for the White Sox, being traded again on the same day to the Philadelphia Athletics. He'd finish the '54 season in Philadelphia going 5-7 for the A's in their final season in Philly. The Athletics would head west to Kansas City for the 1955 season and Dixon would tag along but would only appear in 2 games in a KC uniform, pitching in 1 & 2/3rds of an inning, his ERA swelling to 16.20.

Dixon would not pitch for the Athletics in 1955 but would be traded 1 last time in mid-May to the New York Yankees.

3 games in a Yankees uniform late in the 1956 season would mark the end of Dixon's major league career.

"Sonny" Dixon career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dixonso01)

Charles William (Carl) Fischer B Nov. 5, 1905 D Dec. 10, 1963

Another pitcher, Carl Fischer would first appear with the Senators in mid-July of 1930. Pitching in 8 games in his first season, Fischer would go 1-1 with a 4.86 ERA.

With the Senators in 1931, Fischer would pitch in 46 games, going 13-9. In 1932 he'd post a 3-2 record in 12 games before being traded to the St. Louis Browns in mid-June for Dick Coffman. He'd finish the 1932 season in a Browns uniform, going 3-7 in 24 games.

After the season, Fischer would be traded back to the Senators for, guess who, Dick Coffman. However Fischer wouldn't stay on the Senators roster long-the very next day he was traded along with Firpo Marberry, to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Earl Whitehill.

Fischer would go 11-15 for the Tigers in in 1933 and 3-6 in 1934. After 3 games in 1935, where he'd post an 0-1 record, Fischer would be purchased by the Chicago White Sox in mid-May. He'd go 4-5 for the remainder of the season.

1936 would not see Fischer in the majors but he'd return in 1937 with the Cleveland Indians. After just 2 games in an Indians uniform, where he would accumulate a 27.00 ERA, Fischer was placed on waivers and claimed by the Washington Senators. He'd appear in 17 games for the Senators, going 4-5 with a 4.38 ERA, making his last major league appearance in early July of '37. He'd be purchased by the Baltimore Orioles, then of the International League, and would not return to major league play.

"Carl" Fischer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fischca01)

Harry Hardy B Nov. 5, 1875 D Sep. 4, 1943

Senators Short Timer Harry Hardy would pitch in 8 games for the Senators in 1905 & 1906. Debuting as a 29 year old rookie in late September of 1905, Hardy would go 1-1 in 3 games with a 1.88 ERA.

In 1906, Hardy would pitch in another 5 games, going 0-3 with his ERA climbing to an even 9.00. He'd make his last major league appearance in late September of 1906, exactly 1 year to the day of his major league debut.

Harry Hardy career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hardyha01)

Rogelio Martinez B Nov. 5, 1918 Still Living

Senators Short Timer Rogelio Martinez, another member of the oft-mentioned Cuban Connection, spent 4 days on the Senators roster in mid-July of 1950. Pitching in 2 games, Martinez would end his short stint with the Senators with an 0-1 record and a 27.00 ERA.

Rogelio Martinez career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=martiro01)

Orlin Woodrow (Buck) Rogers B Nov. 5, 1912 D Feb. 20, 1999

Single Season Senator Buck Rogers pitched 10 innings in 2 games for the 1935 Senators, going 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA.

"Buck" Rogers career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=rogerbu01)

Richard Alan Scheinblum B Nov. 5, 1942 Still Living

Outfielder Richie Scheinblum got his start in the majors by signing with the Cleveland Indians in 1964. He'd make brief appearances with the Indians, playing in 4 games in 1965, 18 games in 1967 and 19 games in 1968 before making it into 102 games in 1969, hitting .186.

Scheinblum would not play in the majors in 1970 and would be purchased by the Senators in the off-season.

Appearing in 27 games for the Senators in 1971, their last year in Washington, Scheinblum would go 7 for 49 with 3 doubles.

After the franchise shifted operations to Texas, Scheinblum would be purchased by the Kansas City Royals. Scheinblum would have possibly his best season in 1972, playing in 134 games for the Royals, hitting an even .300 with 21 doubles, 4 triples and 8 home runs and would represent the Royals in the All Star Game.

Traded to the Cincinnati Reds for the 1973 season, Scheinblum would play in just 29 games for Cincy before he was traded again, this time to the California Angels, where he'd finish the season hitting .328 in 77 games.

1974 would see Scheinblum on the roster of the California Angels, Kansas City Royals for a second time, finally finishing the season, and his major league career by appearing in 6 games for the St. Louis Cardinals, his last game coming in late September.

Richie Scheinblum career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=scheiri01)

Steve Jeltz

11-05-2008, 10:47 PM

Happy Birthday, Walter Johnson!

Walter Perry Johnson B: Nov. 6, 1887 D: Dec. 10, 1946

"The first time I faced him, I watched him take that easy windup. And then something went past me that made me flinch. The thing just hissed with danger. We couldn't touch him... every one of us knew we'd met the most powerful arm ever turned loose in a ball park." - Ty Cobb

Born on a farm in Allan County, KS, Walter Johnson did not start playing baseball regularly until the age of 16. It was soon evident that the teenage Johnson, playing against adults in a CA semipro league, had a innate gift for pitching. As Johnson said, "From the first time I held a ball," he explained, "it settled in the palm of my right hand as though it belonged there and, when I threw it, ball, hand and wrist, and arm and shoulder and back seemed to all work together."

In 1906, after being released following one exhibition start for Tacoma of the Northwestern League, Johnson landed in Weiser, ID. Pitching in the semi-pro Southern Idaho League, Johnson went 7-1 for Weiser. On his way to a 14-2 mark the following season, Senators manager Joe Cantillon received glowing reports about Johnson from a traveling salesman. Cantillon dispatched injured reserve C Cliff Blankenship to Weiser to scout Johnson. Despite Blankenship's' protestations to Cantillon about going on a "wild goose chase" to see a "punk pitcher", Blankenship was soon enthralled by Johnson. After being promised a train ticket from Washington to his home in California in case he failed in the majors, Johnson signed with the Senators.

The train ticket to California was never used. Johnson's highly anticipated debut occurred on August 2, 1907 against Detroit. Johnson was on the losing end of the 3-2 decision, pitching 8 innings, but the tall, lean 19 year old lived up to the hype. "The best raw pitcher I have ever seen," said Tiger hurler Bill Donovan after the contest. Johnson's fastball turned heads in baseball while he posted a deceptive 5-8, 1.88 ERA in 12 games for the woeful Nats of 1907.

Johnson put his name on the national map thanks to a remarkable weekend in September, 1908. With Cantillon carrying only 3 pitchers on a road trip to New York, Johnson started 3 games in a 4 day stretch, recording an unfathomable 3 shutouts in those 3 games. Overall, Johnson improved to 14-14 with a 1.65 ERA in 36 games.

The Big Train had a setback in 1909 with 25 losses, but in 1910, Johnson began his ascent to immortality. Starting a string of 10 twenty win seasons in 1910, Johnson posted 25 wins and recorded a career high 313 strikeouts. Following another 25 win year in 1911, Johnson stormed to a 33-12 record with a minuscule 1.39 ERA, finishing 3rd in the Chalmers Award (MVP) balloting. To prove his 33 win, 1912 season was no fluke, Johnson had his greatest year in 1913, going 36-7 with a 1.14 ERA, the 6th lowest ERA total in major league history. For his efforts, the Big Train copped the Chalmers award, edging Boston's "Smokey" Joe Wood.

The rest of the 1910's would feature Johnson keeping Washington respectable in the standings. But, Johnson, regarded as the best pitcher in baseball at this time, still lacked the one thing he wanted the most: A World Series championship. The championship appeared far out of reach when the 32 year old Johnson had arm woes in 1920, snapping his string of 20 win seasons. Johnson bounced back to win 17, 15 and 17 in 1921, 1922 and 1923, low totals by the Big Train's standards.By 1924, the Senators were on their 4th manager in 4 seasons with Bucky Harris and Johnson was planning to make 1924 his farewell year.

Something funny happened on Johnson's farewell tour. The Senators had an actual chance to win the pennant. A rejuvenated Johnson responded with a 23-7 mark as the Nats finally landed in the World Series. Johnson led the league in wins, strikeouts, ERA and shutouts in collecting his second MVP award. The Big Train lost games 1 and 5 to the Giants, but 4 scoreless relief innings in the dramatic game 7 gave Johnson his long overdue championship.

When a purchase of a Pacific Coast League franchise fell through following 1924, Johnson returned for his 19th season in 1925. The Nats lapped the field in the AL by 8 games and Johnson notched a 20-7 record, while compiling a .433 batting average, a record for pitchers. Johnson was dominant in game 1 of the World Series against the Pirates, striking out 10 in a 4-1 win and shutting out Pittsburgh 4-0 in game 4. A second consecutive championship was not in the cards with the Pirates coming back from a 3-1 Series deficit to win in 7 games.

After the 1927 season, Johnson hung up his spikes. He became a member of the first class inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. Here are some of the numbers posted by Johnson in his illustrious 20 year career:

417 wins

3,509 strikeouts

110 shutouts

12 twenty win seasons, including 10 in a row from 1910-1919

2 thirty win seasons, 33 in 1912 and 36 in 1913

11 seasons with an ERA below 2.00

531 complete games in 666 career starts

55.2 consecutive scoreless innings pitched in 1913

Walter Johnson bio at SABR. ORG:

SABR Walter Johnson biography by Charles Carey (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1702&pid=7068)

Walter Johnson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=johnswa01)

Other Senators birthdays on November 6th

Two other Senators players share a November 6th birthday with Walter Johnson:

David Tilden Altizer B Nov. 6, 1876 D May 14, 1964

Dave Altizer made his major league debut with the Senators as a 29 year old rookie in late May of 1906. Over the span of 2 and 1/2 seasons, Altizer would play all infield positions as well as in the outfield for Washington. He'd appear in 115 games in his rookie season, stroking 111 hits including 9 doubles, 5 triples and a lone home run, good for a .256 BA.

In 1907 Altizer would play in 147 games for Washington, hitting .269. After 67 games in 1908, when his BA would drop to .224, Altizer would be sold to the Cleveland Naps in late July. Finishing the 1908 season in Cleveland, Altizer would play in 29 games, hitting .213.

Sold again, this time to the Chicago White Sox, Altizer would play in 116 games for the White Sox. He'd finish his major league career with the Cincinnati Reds, playing in only 3 games in 1910 and 37 games in 1911, his last game coming in mid-July.

Dave Altizer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=altizda01)

Robert Willis Repass B Nov. 6, 1917 D Jan. 16, 2006

Infielder Bob Repass made his major league debut in mid-September of 1939 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Playing 2nd base, Repass would make it into 3 games going 2 for 6 at the plate.

Repass would not see major league action again until 1942-drafted by the Senators after the 1941 season, Repass would play in 81 games at 2nd & 3rd base and shortstop, hitting .239 with 11 doubles, 1 triple and 2 home runs, his last game coming in mid-August.

Bob Repass career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=repasbo01)

Steve Jeltz

11-06-2008, 11:25 PM

Senator Managers

Donie Bush, 1923

Record as Senator Manager: 75-78, .490 Pct.

Teams managed:
1923: 75-78 .490 4th

Based on their 7th place showing in 1922, little optimism greeted the 1923 edition of the Washington Senators with former Tigers SS Donie Bush at the helm. With the offseason acquisition of C Muddy Ruel and late season call up of P Firpo Marberry, not a single fan knew they would represent the final pieces of the World Championship puzzle. Only problem was, it was still 1923.

For the first 3 and half months of 1923, the Senators looked more like the 7th place club of 1922 than a future championship team. The main blow was Walter Johnson injuring his knee on May 19 at Chicago which adversely hampered the Big Guy's effectiveness until September. On July 19, the Senators found themselves mired in 7th place with a 34-49 record. The fiery Bush, in his maiden season as a manager at any level, must have wondered what he got himself into by accepting the Nats managerial job.

Just as the Nats appeared on their way to another second division finish, the team quickly righted the ship. With Ruel, 1B Joe Judge, and outfielders Nemo Leibold, Goose Goslin and Sam Rice batting over .300 for the year, the Senators finished out the year on a 41-29 run for an overall 75-78, 4th place finish. Bush installed rookie Ossie Bluege at 3B and the 22 year old showed promise with 42 RBI in 109 games. The outlook for 1924 was brightened even more by a strong finish from Johnson, who went 17-12, the relief performance of spitballer Allan Russell and the 11 game appearance of rookie Marberry, who compiled a 4-0, 2.84 ERA ledger.

The general consensus in baseball circles on Bush was that he did a remarkable job in getting the Nats off the mat with the strong finish. No doubt had Johnson not been injured, observers agreed, Washington would have finished over .500. But Clark Griffith was not pleased. Never seeing eye to eye with Bush, Griffith showed Bush the door. Griffith would be ridiculed for his next choice as his manager: Bucky Harris

Bush deserved a better fate, but leaving Washington was not the end of the line for Bush. In some ways, it was only the beginning. After managing in the minors for 3 seasons, Bush would lead the Pirates into the 1927 World Series against the "Murderers Row" Yankees of Ruth and Gehrig. Bush expected his players, stars included, to play hard at all times and Bush backed what he demanded. When Pirates star Kiki Cuyler failed to slide to break up a double play in August of that year, Bush benched Cuyler for the rest of the regular season and the World Series. After 1929, Bush was dismissed as Pittsburgh's skipper and landed back in the AL with the White Sox. He would manage Chicago in 1930 and 1931, with his stint punctuated with numerous confrontations with future Senator Art Shires. His last big league managerial stint came for one season in Cincinnati in 1933.

But Bush's biggest contribution to baseball occurred in 1938 while managing the minor league Minneapolis Millers. On his roster that year was a brash youngster who needed more refinement before being called up to the majors. Under Bush's tutelage, the youngster improved his batting average by 75 points and became a more well rounded ballplayer. That youngster was Ted Williams, who commented after Bush's passing in 1972, "I've been in the game for 36 years and nobody has any closer affection to my heart than Ownie."

Senators Birthdays

Herbert Bryan Crompton B Nov. 7, 1911 D Aug. 5, 1963

Senators Short Timer Herb Crompton would debut in a Washington uniform in late April of 1937. Playing in just 2 games for the Senators, Crompton would go 1 for 3 at bat.

Returning to the majors in 1945 with the New York Yankees, Crompton would appear in 36 games, hitting .192, playing in his last major league game in mid-September.

Herb Crompton career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=cromphe01)

James Lee Kaat B Nov. 7, 1938 Still Living

Jim Kaat played 25 years in the major leagues, pitching in 898 games for 6 different teams.

He'd make his major league debut with the original Washington Senators in August of 1959, going 0-2 in 3 games with a 12.60 ERA. He would appear in 13 games for Washington in 1960, going 1-5, although he'd drop his ERA to 5.58.

After the original franchise shifted to the Twin Cities for the 1961 season, Kaat would respond favorably to the change in scenery. He'd be a mainstay in the Minnesota Twins pitching staff from 1961 through August of 1973. Kaat would find his best success in Minnesota, being named to the All Star Teams of 1962 and 1966 and would lead the American League in wins with 25, also in 1966. He'd post an 18-11 record for the pennant winners in 1965 but would go 1-2 against the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, with a 3.77 ERA over 14 & 1/3 rd innings. Kaat would go 0-1 in the league championship series of 1970 against the Baltimore Orioles.

Released by the Twins in mid-August of 1973, Kaat would be selected off waivers by the Chicago White Sox. He'd show that he could still pitch, finishing the 1973 season in Chicago with a 4-1 record. He'd go 21-13 in 1974 and 20-14 in 1975 with the White Sox and would be selected to the All Star Team one more time in 1975.

Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies after the 1975 season, Kaat would play in Philadelphia for the next 3 seasons, including appearing in the league championship series against the Cincinnati Reds in 1976.

After 3 games with the Phillies in 1979, Kaat would be purchased by the New York Yankees, where he would appear in 40 games, posting a 2-3 record.

Kaat would start the 1980 season in New York but would be purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals in late April. Finishing the 1980 season in St. Louis, Kaat would post an 8-7 record. He'd remain with the Cards in 1981 and 1982, appearing in the '82 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers and finally getting a coveted World Series Ring.

After pitching in 24 games in 1983, Kaat would be released by the Cardinals in early July. He'd finish his career with a 283-237 record and a lifetime ERA of 3.45.

Remembered as a great fielding pitcher, Kaat won 16 Gold Gloves and was named The Sporting News American League "Pitcher Of The Year" in 1966.

Jim Kaat career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kaatji01)

Alan Cochrane Strange B Nov. 7, 1906 D Jun. 27, 1994

Another Senators Short Timer, shortstop Alan Strange played in 314 major league games, with only 20 of those in a Senators uniform. Making his major league debut with the 1934 St. Louis Browns, Strange would appear in 127 games, hitting .237. Strange would return to play in 49 games with the Brownies in 1935 before being traded in late June to the Senators for Lyn Lary.

For the Senators, Strange would play in just 20 games where he only managed to hit .185.

Disappearing from the Senators roster, and the major leagues, Strange would bounce around the minors until he was picked up again by the St. Louis Browns for the 1940 season. Sparingly used, Strange would remain with the Browns through 1942, his last major league game coming in mid-August of that year.

Alan Strange career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=stranal01)

Steve Jeltz

11-07-2008, 11:34 PM

1955 In a nine player swap that ultimately helps neither team in the long run, the Nats ship veterans Mickey Vernon, Bob Porterfield, Johnny Schmitz and Tom Umphett to Boston for youngsters Truman "Tex" Clevenger, Dick Bradowski, Al Curtis, Neil Chrisley and Karl Olson. For Vernon, it is the second time Washington trades the fan favorite. Vernon will have one final solid season with the Red Sox, garnering some MVP votes, before winding down his great career. Porterfield, former 22 game winner for Washington in 1954, would be out of baseball by 1960 and pitcher Schmitz and OF Umphett's final seasons are in 1957. For the Senators, Clevenger's 5 seasons in the Washington bullpen qualifies him as the best player the Sens received in this trade. Brodowski would appear in a grand total of 13 games over 2 seasons in Washington, 13 more than fellow hurler Curtis, who never reaches the majors. OF's Olson and Chrisley rounded out the disappointing haul. Olson would be a reserve for one year, batting .246 with 22 RBI before being peddled off to Detroit in early 1958, while Chrisley played parts of 2 seasons in D.C., hitting a robust .215 in a part time role in 1958.

Senators Birthdays

Only one birthday to report this November 8th, but it is the birthday of the player/manager who guided the Senators to their only World Series Championship.

Stanley Raymond (Bucky) Harris B Nov. 8, 1896 D Nov. 8, 1977

Hall Of Famer Bucky Harris came to the Washington Senators in a trade with the Buffalo Bisons of the International League in late August of 1919. Playing in 8 games in his first major league season, Harris would hit .214.

Returning with the Senators in 1920, Harris would play 2nd base in 136 games and hit an even .300, his only season that he managed to reach the .300 mark.

Harris would anchor the Senators infield, playing in 140 games or more from 1921 through 1927.

Elevated to the role of player/manager in 1924 after the departure of Donie Bush (covered yesterday) the 27 year old Harris would guide the Senators to their first American League pennant and their only World Series victory. The following year, the Senators would again capture the American League pennant but would lose the World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 games.

As a player, Harris would go 11 for 33, good for a .333 BA in the 1924 World Series, with 2 home runs, 7 RBI's and 5 runs scored. Unfortunately he'd slip to a woeful .087 in 1925, going just 2 for 23 at the plate.

Harris would remain at the helm of the Senators through 1928 with the team finishing in 4th place in 1926, 3rd in 1927 and 4th again in 1928.

As a player, Harris would lead the American League in being hit by pitches from 1920 through 1922 (Ouch!) and sacrifice hits in 1924, 1925 and 1927.

After the 1928 season, Harris would be traded to the Detroit Tigers for Jack Warner. Harris would manage the Tigers from 1929 through 1933 and would play in 14 games in 1929 and 9 games in 1931. During his tenure as manager, the Tigers would never finish better than 5th.

1934 would find Harris managing the Boston Red Sox. The team would finish with a 76-76 record in 4th place.

Harris would return to Washington in 1935, serving as manager through 1942. During this reign, the best the Senators would do was a 4th place finish in 1936.

Harris would manage the Philadelphia Phillies in 1943, being fired with the team at 38-52, in 7th place in the National League.

In 1947, at the ripe old age of 50, Harris would be given the chance to manage again, this time with the New York Yankees. Harris would guide the Yankees to a 97-57 first place finish and a World Series victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1948, the Yankees would finish at 94-60, but that would be enough to drop them to 3rd place as the Cleveland Indians captured the American League pennant and the World Series crown.

1950 would find Harris in familiar surroundings-he'd be back in Washington for his 3rd go-round as Senators manager. Harris would manage the Senators from 1950 to 1954-unfortunately the best his teams would do would be to finish in 5th place in 1950, 1952 & 1953.

After the 1954 season, Harris was headed back to another familiar haunt, Detroit, where he'd guide the Tigers to 5th place finishes in 1955 & 1956, ending his managing career.

Bucky Harris biography at Baseball Library (http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=Bucky_Harris_1896)

"Bucky" Harris career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=harribu01)

Steve Jeltz

11-08-2008, 09:55 PM

Senators Award winners

American League Most Valuable Player
1913 P Walter Johnson 36-7, 1.14 ERA (MVP Award was then known as the Chalmers Award)
1924 P Walter Johnson 23-7, 2.72 ERA
1925 SS Roger Peckinpaugh .294 AVG, 4 HR, 64 RBI

American League Rookie of the Year

1958 OF Albie Pearson .275 AVG, 3 HR, 33 RBI
1959 OF Bob Allison .261 AVG, 30 HR, 85 RBI

Pitching Triple Crown (Leader in wins, ERA and strikeouts)
1913 Walter Johnson 36-7, 1.14 ERA, 243 SO
1918 Walter Johnson 23-13, 1.27 ERA, 162 SO
1924 Walter Johnson 23-7, 2.72 ERA, 158 SO

The Sporting News American League Pitcher of the Year

1953 Bob Porterfield, 22-10, 3.35 ERA

Senators Birthdays

Conrad George Grob B Nov. 9, 1932 D Sep. 28, 1997

Single Season Senator Connie Grob would be on the Washington roster for about 5 months in 1956. Pitching in 15 games, Grob would compile a 4-5 record with a 7.83 ERA, making his last major league appearance in mid-September.

Connie Grob career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=grobco01)

Dorrel Norman Elvert (Whitey) Herzog B Nov. 9, 1931 Still Living

Originally signed by the New York Yankees in 1949, outfielder (and occasional 1st baseman) Whitey Herzog came to the Washington Senators in early April of 1956 as the "player to be named later" in the trade that sent Mickey McDermott and Bobby Kline to the Yankees in exchange for Lou Berberet, Herb Plews, Dick Tettelbach and Bob Weisler.

Debuting in the majors with the Senators in 1956, Herzog would play in 117 games in his rookie season, hitting .245. He'd only see action in 36 games in 1957 as his BA dropped to .167.

After appearing in just 8 games with the Senators in 1958, Herzog would be purchased by the Kansas City Athletics where he'd finish the season playing in 88 games hitting .240.

Herzog would remain with the A's through 1960 and then was traded to the Baltimore Orioles where he'd spend 1961 & 1962. One last trade after the 1962 season would send Herzog to the Detroit Tigers where he finished his playing days appearing in 52 games for the Tigers in 1963.

The final line on Herzog was that he'd play 8 seasons, appearing in 634 games with a lifetime .257 BA.

10 years later Herzog would become manager of the Texas Rangers. Fired after 138 games with the team at 47-91, Herzog would manage the California Angels on an interim basis for 4 games in 1974.

In 1975 Herzog would replace Jack McKeon as manager of the Kansas City Royals, finishing in 2nd place. From 1976 through 1978 the Herzog led Royals would finish in 1st place in the American League West, only to fall to the New York Yankees in the League Championship Series each year. The 1977 Royals would post a 102-60 record, the only 100 win season for the franchise to date. A 2nd place finish in 1979 would mark the end of Herzog's tenure as Royals manager.

Herzog would head a little further east across the "Show Me" state, taking over the reins of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980. He'd remain at the helm of the Cards through 1990, guiding the team to a World's Championship in 1982 and 1st place finishes in 1985 & 1987.

Herzog would garner "National League Manager of the Year" honors in 1985.

"Whitey" Herzog career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=herzowh01)

Edward Karl Linke B Nov. 9, 1911 D Jun. 21, 1988

Pitcher Ed Linke would play for the Senators for 5 years, from 1933 through 1937. Debuting in April of 1933, Linke would only pitch in 3 games his first season, posting a 1-0 record with a 5.06 ERA. Back for another 7 games in 1934, he'd go 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA.

Linke's most active season would be 1935 when he'd appear in 40 games, going 11-7 with a 5.01 ERA. In 1936, Linke would pitch in 13 games, his record 1-5 with his ERA rising to 7.10.

1937 was Linke's final season for the Senators, where he'd post a 6-1 record, lowering his ERA to 5.60.

Traded to the St. Louis Browns for Chief Hogsett, Linke would pitch 1 last season in 1938 for the Browns, going 1-7. He'd make his last major league appearance in early September.

Ed Linke career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=linkeed01)

Donald Nelson Loun B Nov. 9, 1940 Still Living

Signed by the expansion team in 1961, Senators Short Timer Don Loun would spend 11 days on the Senators roster in 1964. Pitching in 2 games, he'd post a 1-1 record with an ERA of 2.08.

Don Loun career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=loundo01)

Gerald Edward Priddy B Nov. 9, 1919 D Mar. 3, 1980

Infielder Jerry Priddy was signed by the New York Yankees in 1937, making his major league debut as a 21 year old rookie in April of 1941. Playing in 56 games his first season, he'd hit .213. 1942 would see him in 59 games, raising his BA to .280.

Traded to the Washington Senators along with Milo Candini for Bill Zuber and cash, Priddy would spend 1943 playing mainly at 3rd base, hitting .271 in 149 games.

His career interrupted by World War II, Priddy wouldn't return to the Senators roster until 1946. He'd play in 138 games in 1946, hitting .254 but would see his BA drop to .214 in 1947.

Purchased by the St. Louis Browns after the 1947 season, Priddy would spend 2 seasons with the Browns. He'd have his best season at the plate in 1948, hitting .296 in 151 games.

Traded to the Detroit Tigers, Priddy would spend 1950 through 1953 in a Detroit uniform, playing in his last game in late September of 1953.

Jerry Priddy career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=priddje01)

Steve Jeltz

11-09-2008, 09:18 PM

1919 Clark Griffith turns to Philadelphia grain broker William Richardson for financial assistance in buying controlling interest of the Senators for approximately $800,000. Griffith, named president, will hold 44% stock, with Richardson possessing 40%. A key part of the deal is Richardson allowing Griffith to speak for his (Richardson's) minority holdings. The franchise will remain in the Griffith family for 65 years until 1984 when Calvin Griffith sells the Washington-Minnesota organization to Carl Pohlad for $32 million.

Senators Birthdays

Calvin Coolidge Ermer B Nov. 10, 1923 Still Living

One Game Wonder Cal Ermer tasted his cup of coffee with the original Senators on September 26th of 1947. Playing 2nd base, Ermer would have an 0-3 day at the plate.

Ermer would stay in baseball, replacing Sam Mele at the helm of the Minnesota Twins in 1967. The Twins were 25-25 when Ermer took over but would go 66-46 the rest of the season, good for a 2nd place finish.

Ermer would remain as Twins manager in 1968 but would see his team drop to 79-83 and a 7th place finish. He was replaced by Billy Martin for the 1969 season

Cal Ermer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ermerca01)

Angel Felix Husta Fleitas B Nov. 10, 1914 D Jul. 10, 2006

Senators Short Timer Angel Fleitas would debut with the Senators as a 33 year old rookie in July of 1948. Another member of the Cuban Connection, Fleitas would appear in 15 games, playing shortstop but hitting a microscopic .077.

Angel Fleitas career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=fleitan01)

Carmen Louis Mauro B Nov. 10, 1926 D Dec. 19, 2003

Signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1944, outfielder Carmen Mauro would make it to the majors for 3 games with the Cubs in 1948. Mauro wouldn't appear in the big leagues in 1949 but would return to the Cubs roster in 1950, appearing in 62 games hitting .227.

Mauro would appear in just 13 games with the Cubs in 1951, hitting .172. After the season he'd be traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Returning to the majors with Brooklyn in 1953, Mauro would appear in 8 games for Brooklyn, going 0-9 at bat. Released by the Dodgers, Mauro would be signed by the Washington Senators in late May.

Mauro would remain a Senator for a little over 1 month, playing in 17 games, hitting .174 before being released by the Senators at the end of June. Mauro would be signed by the Philadelphia Athletics where he'd finish the 1953 season, playing in 64 games and hitting .267.

Mauro would be included in a multi-player trade between the Athletics and the New York Yankees after the season but he'd never play in the majors again, his last game having been in late September with Philadelphia.

Carmen Mauro career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mauroca01)

Steve Jeltz

11-10-2008, 10:50 PM

Senator Managers

Bucky Harris, 1924-1928 (First stint)

Record as Senator Manager: 1,336-1,416, .485 Pct.

Teams managed:
1924: 92-62 .597 1st World Champions
1925: 96-55 .636 1st AL Pennant
1926: 81-69 .540 4th
1927: 85-69 .552 3rd
1928: 75-79 .487 4th

*Note: Bucky Harris managed the Senators 3 separate times in his career. For the sake of continuity, each of his stints will be profiled separately into separate posts.*

Stanley "Bucky" Harris was on a Florida vacation in early 1924 when he received a letter from Clark Griffith. Harris believed the letter was a reprimand and a fine for his playing pro basketball during that off-season. But, to the shock of Harris, Griffith's letter named him the new player/manager of the Senators. Despite being one of the youngest players on the team at 27, Griffith felt Harris had the right attributes to be a manager someday, so why not now? Harris was a leader and a scrapper, traits the "Old Fox" held in high esteem for his managers.

Harris would state years later that a good manager had to how to get along with the players. This formula worked to perfection in his first two seasons at the helm. During spring training and road trips, Harris rarely had bed checks and instituted an honor systems for his squad. His methods quickly gained him the respect of the veteran players on the Nats, such as Goose Goslin, Joe Judge, Walter Johnson and Roger Peckinpaugh. Despite a slow start out of the gate in 1924 that had sportswriters labeling Harris' hiring as "Griffith's Folly", the Senators soon got hot and found themselves neck and neck with the Yankees for 1st place. Riding Walter Johnson, Washington clinched their first AL pennant at Boston on the final weekend of the season, earning them a date with the Giants in the 1924 World Series. The Senators won a thrilling, hard fought 7 game series from the Giants, making Johnson, Griffith and, especially Harris, the toast of D.C.

With offseason acquisition Stan Coveleski and Johnson winning 20 apiece, along with Dutch Ruether chipping in 18, the Senators of 1925 fought off an early challenge from the upstart A's to win the AL going away. Goslin bashed in 113 RBI and Peckinpaugh took home MVP honors. Favorites to win the World Series against Pittsburgh, Washington took a seemingly insurmountable 3 games to 1 lead. However, Peckinpaugh's 8 errors and Harris' questionable use of the pitching staff cost Washington, enabling Pittsburgh to win the Series in 7 games.

In 1926, the Nats never seriously contended and would need a win on the last day of the season to finish in 4th place. Johnson and Coveleski seemed to slow down at the same time and the offseason trade for "Bullet" Joe Bush was a dud. Goslin hit .354 with 108 RBI, but he was suspended by Harris in August for "indifferent" play. With Peckinpaugh losing a step, Harris inserted Buddy Myer. The 22 year old Myer was more than adequate, batting .304 with 62 RBI, as Peckinpaugh's replacement..

Looking to make one last run at another title in 1927, Griffith signed future Hall of Famer Tris Speaker. Harris planned on pitching the 39 year old Johnson in spots to hopefully maximize his production. Harris' plan was foiled when Johnson went down with a broken leg in spring training. When Johnson returned 6 weeks later, he was a shell of his former self, finishing at 3-6 in his last season. To make matters worse, Speaker convinced Griffith and Harris to part with Myer for Boston SS Topper Rigney in May. Rigney would be released after 45 unproductive games. While the Nats finished at 85-69, good enough for 3rd place, Babe Ruth's historic 60th home run of Tom Zachary would add a fitting footnote to the disappointing season.

Privately, Griffith was concerned that Harris was not enough of a disciplinarian. Harris' approach worked wonders in 1924 and 1925, but age, bad trades, the Yankees dominance and unproductive seasons from Harris and the pitching staff were also reasons for the Nats fall from grace. In his final season in his first stint as the Nats manager in 1928, Harris would guide a listless club to a 4th place record. Goslin winning the batting title, George Sisler passing through town and the Senator debut of Joe Cronin were the only highlights of the dismal season.

With that, Griffith would part with Harris, the "Boy Manager" now 32. The "Old Fox", loyal to the man who bought home 2 pennants and the World Series championship, prearranged with Detroit owner Frank Navin the Tigers managerial job for Harris. Little did anyone know, besides Griffith, that Harris would return to the nation's capital.

Senators Birthdays

George Washington Case B Nov. 11, 1915 D Jan. 23, 1989

Outfielder George Case would debut with the Washington Senators in early September or 1937 as a 21 year old rookie. Hitting .289 in 22 games, Case would become a Senators regular for the next 8 seasons.

Case would hit .305 in 107 games in 1938, his first full season. He'd also steal 11 bases. This was a precursor of things to come as Case would hit .302 in 1939 and would lead the American League in stolen bases with 51. In fact, Case would lead the league in stolen bases from 1939 through 1943 and again in 1946. In 1944 & '45 he'd place 2nd in the lead for steals.

Case would be named to the American League All Star Teams of 1939, 1943, 1944 & 1945 but would only play in the 1943 contest when he was the starting right fielder.

After 9 seasons in Washington, Case would be traded to the Cleveland Indians for Jeff Heath. Case would play in 118 games for Cleveland in 1946 but would see his BA drop to .225.

Prior to the start of the 1947 season, Case would be traded back to Washington for Roger Wolff. After only 36 games, where his BA would drop even further, Case would hang up his spikes in early August at the age of 31, the years of base stealing having taken their toll.

Case would remain in the Senators organization as a coach and minor league manager and would also serve in the New York Yankee and Seattle Mariner organizations.

Short bio of George Case at Baseball Library (http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=George_Case_1915)

George Case career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=casege01)

Henry John (Dutch) Dotterer B Nov. 11, 1931 D Oct. 9, 1999

Signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1950, catcher Dutch Dotterer would finally get a taste of the majors in late September of 1957 at 25 years of age.

Playing in 4 games, Dotterer would go 1 for 12. He'd make his way into 11 games in 1957, hitting .250. His most active season would be 1959 when he'd play in 52 games, hitting .267.

Dotterer would play in 33 games in 1960 and would be traded after the season to the Kansas City Athletics. 2 months later Dotterer would be selected by the "new" Senators in the expansion draft. Dotterer would play in 7 games for the Senators, his last major league appearance coming at the end of April 1961.

"Dutch" Dotterer career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dottedu01)

Wilfred Henry Lefebvre B Nov. 11, 1915 D Jan. 19, 2007

Bill Lefebvre debuted as a rookie pitcher with the 1938 Boston Red Sox. Appearing in just 1 game, he'd pitch 4 innings, giving up 8 hits and 6 runs. He'd return with the Red Sox in 1939 pitching in 5 games posting a 1-1 record.

Lefebvre wouldn't play in the majors from 1940 through 1942 but would return with the Senators in 1943. Pitching in 6 games, Lefebvre would go 2-0. 1944 would be his most active season when he'd appear in 24 games, going 2-4 with a 4.52 ERA, playing in his last game in late September.

Bill Lefebvre career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lefebbi01)

Alexander Schacht B Nov. 11, 1892 D Jul. 14, 1984

Known as the "Clown Prince Of Baseball", Al Schacht's major league pitching career would cover just 3 seasons, from 1919 through 1921. He'd appear in a grand total of 53 games for the Washington Senators, posting a career record of 14-10, pitching in 197 innings in 53 games, closing his career with an ERA of 4.48.

Schacht's small stature (5' 11" tall, 142 lbs.) hindered him as he attempted to embark on a baseball career. Bouncing around the minors, Schacht was bothered by arm woes and spent some time in the Army during World War 1. He'd return to the minors and finally got the call to the big leagues in 1919. After 3 years as a pitcher with the Senators, where he and Nick Altrock developed an on-field comedy routine, Schacht would become a coach for the Senators and even served as an interim manager in 1934.

An informative biography on Schacht, including how he entertained troops during WWII, can be found here:

SABR Al Schacht biography by Ralph Berger (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=1&pid=12549&bid=504)

Al Schacht career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schacal01)

PS On this Veterans Day 2008, we salute those professional baseball players who served in the military, especially those who had their playing careers interrupted by military service.

And a thanks to veterans everywhere for the sacrifices you've made in service to your country.

Steve Jeltz

11-11-2008, 09:50 PM

Senator League Leaders in Batting

Batting Average
1928 Goose Goslin .379
1935 Buddy Myer .349
1946 Mickey Vernon .346
1953 Mickey Vernon .337

Home Runs
1959 Harmon Killebrew 42, tied for 1st
1968 Frank Howard 44
1970 Frank Howard 44

RBI
1924 Goose Goslin 129
1957 Roy Sievers 114
1970 Frank Howard 126

Stolen Bases
1906 John Anderson 39, tied for 1st
1912 Clyde Milan 88
1913 Clyde Milan 75
1920 Sam Rice 63
1939 George Case 51
1940 George Case 35
1941 George Case 33
1942 George Case 44
1943 George Case 61

Runs Scored
1943 George Case 102

Hits
1924 Sam Rice 216
1926 Sam Rice 216, tied for 1st
1933 Heinie Manush 221
1941 Cecil Travis 218

Walks
1950 Eddie Yost 141
1952 Eddie Yost 129
1953 Eddie Yost 123
1956 Eddie Yost 151
1970 Frank Howard 132

Doubles
1902 Ed Delahanty 43, tied for 1st
1933 Joe Cronin 45
1946 Mickey Vernon 51
1951 Sam Mele and Eddie Yost 36, tied for 1st
1953 Mickey Vernon 43
1954 Mickey Vernon 33

Triples
1904 Joe Cassidy 19, tied for 1st with two players
1921 Howie Shanks 18, tied for 1st with two players
1923 Sam Rice & Goose Goslin, 18
1925 Goose Goslin 20
1932 Joe Cronin 18
1933 Heinie Manush 17
1939 Buddy Lewis 16
1942 Stan Spence 15
1956 Jim Lemon 11, tied with three players for 1st
1959 Bob Allison 9
1969 Del Unser 8

On Base Percentage
1902 Ed Delahanty .453

Slugging Percentage
1902 Ed Delahanty .590
1968 Frank Howard .552

Senators Birthdays

Clyde Samuel Goodwin B Nov. 12, 1886 D Oct. 12, 1963

Senators Short Timer Sam Goodwin would spend 15 days on the Senators roster in 1906. Pitching in 4 games, Goodwin would finish the 1906 season, and his brief major league career with a 0-2 W/L record and an ERA of 4.43.

Clyde Goodwin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=goodwcl01)

Donald Roy Johnson B Nov. 12, 1926 Still Living

Pitcher Don Johnson would play in 7 seasons over the course of 12 years, making brief appearances with 6 different teams.

Signed by the New York Yankees in 1944, Johnson's first stint in the majors would come in April of 1947 when he'd appear in 15 games, posting a 4-3 record with a 3.64 ERA.

Johnson wouldn't return to major league play until 1950 when he'd pitch in 8 games for the Yankees, going 1-0. Traded to the St. Louis Browns in mid-June, Johnson would finish the 1950 season in a Brwons uniform going 4-5 in 25 games.

Starting 1951 in St. Louis, Johnson would make it into 6 games with the Browns, going 0-1 when he was purchased by the Washington Senators in late May.

Johnson would go 7-11 for the remainder of 1951 in Washington and would return with the Senators in 1952, appearing in 29 games, posting an 0-5 record.

Purchased by Toronto of the International League prior to the start of the 1953 season, Johnson would return to the majors in 1954 with the Chicago White Sox where he'd post an 8-7 record in 46 games.

Traded to the Baltimore Orioles, Johnson would post a 2-4 record in Baltimore in 1955.

Picked up by Toronto again, Johnson would show up in the majors one last time in mid-July of 1958 when he'd pitch in 17 games for the newly relocated San Francisco Giants where he'd go 0-1 in 17 games, his last major league appearance coming in late September.

Don Johnson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=johnsdo03)

Jack Bernard Ryan B Nov. 12, 1868 D Aug. 21, 1952

Another player who was in and out of the major leagues is Jack Ryan who would play in 13 seasons over the span of 25 years from 1889 through 1913.

Primarily a catcher, Ryan would be tapped to play at every position except pitcher in his career.

Ryan's career began in September of 1889 with the Louisville Colonels of the then major league American Association. After 3 years in Louisville, Ryan wouldn't resurface in the majors until 1894 when he'd spend 3 seasons with the Boston Beaneaters.

Out of the majors again in 1897, Ryan would come back for 87 games with the Brooklyn Bridegrooms in 1898.

Ryan would play in just 2 games with the Baltimore Orioles in 1899 and would take another break from the majors until 1901 when he'd spend 3 seasons on the roster of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ryan would make an appearance with the Washington Senators in 1912 & 1913, playing in just 1 game each season, his final major league game coming in October of 1913.

Jack Ryan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ryanja01)

Steve Jeltz

11-12-2008, 09:39 PM

Senators League leaders in pitching

Wins
1913 Walter Johnson 36
1914 Walter Johnson 28
1915 Walter Johnson 27
1916 Walter Johnson 25
1918 Walter Johnson 23
1924 Walter Johnson 23
1932 Alvin Crowder 26
1933 Alvin Crowder 24
1953 Bob Porterfield 22

ERA
1912 Walter Johnson 1.39
1913 Walter Johnson 1.14
1918 Walter Johnson 1.27
1919 Walter Johnson 1.49
1924 Walter Johnson 2.72
1925 Stan Coveleski 2.84
1928 Garland Braxton 2.51
1961 Dick Donovan 2.40
1969 Dick Bosman 2.19

Complete Games
1910 Walter Johnson 38
1911 Walter Johnson 36
1913 Walter Johnson 29
1914 Walter Johnson 33
1915 Walter Johnson 35
1916 Walter Johnson 36
1953 Bob Porterfield 24
1954 Bob Porterfield 21
1959 Camilo Pascual 17

Shutouts
1911 Walter Johnson 6
1913 Walter Johnson 11
1914 Walter Johnson 9
1915 Walter Johnson 7
1918 Walter Johnson 8
1919 Walter Johnson 7
1924 Walter Johnson 6
1927 Hod Lisenbee 4
1953 Bob Porterfield 9
1959 Camilo Pascual 6

Strikeouts
1910 Walter Johnson 313
1912 Walter Johnson 303
1913 Walter Johnson 243
1914 Walter Johnson 225
1915 Walter Johnson 203
1916 Walter Johnson 228
1917 Walter Johnson 188
1918 Walter Johnson 162
1919 Walter Johnson 147
1921 Walter Johnson 143
1923 Walter Johnson 130
1924 Walter Johnson 158
1942 Bobo Newsom 113

Innings Pitched
1910 Walter Johnson 370
1913 Walter Johnson 346
1914 Walter Johnson 371.2
1915 Walter Johnson 336.2
1916 Walter Johnson 369.2
1919 Jim Shaw 306.2
1932 Alvin Crowder 327

Also on this date:

1934 Bucky Harris is rehired for the second time as Washington manager to replace Joe Cronin. From 1929-1933, Harris had managed Detroit for 4 seasons and Boston for 1 year before being bought back to D.C. by Clark Griffith. Bucky's second reign will last until 1942.

Senators Birthdays

George Henry Dumont B Nov. 13, 1895 D Oct. 13, 1956

Pitcher George Dumont would debut with the Senators in mid-September of 1915 as a 19 year old rookie. Pitching in Washington for 4 seasons, Dumont's most active year would be 1917 when he'd pitch in 37 games, going 5-14 with a 2.55 ERA.

Traded to the Boston Red Sox, along with Eddie Ainsmith in exchange for Hal Janvrin and cash after the 1918 season, Dumont would would pitch in 13 games for the Red Sox in 1919, going 0-4 and making his last major league appearance 4 years and 4 days after he debuted.

George Dumont career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=dumonge01)

Alexis Wiliam Kampouris B Nov. 13, 1912 D May 29, 1993

Alex Kampouris came to the major leagues from Sacramento of the Pacific Coast League in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds in July of 1934.

Kampouris would play for the Reds through early June of 1938, his most active season being 1935 when he'd play in 148 games, hitting .246.

Traded to the New York Giants, Kampouris would finish the 1938 season and spend 1939 on the Giants roster.

Purchased by the New York Yankees after the 1939 season, Kampouris would not appear in the majors in 1940. He'd be purchased again, this time by the Brooklyn Dodgers, in early September of 1940.

Sparingly used by the Dodgers, Kampouris would appear in just 16 games in 1941, 10 games in 1942 and 19 in 1943 before he was purchased one last time by the Washington Senators.

Kampouris would finish his season, and his career, with the Senators in 1943, playing 2nd & 3rd bases and hitting .207, his last game coming in late September.

Alex Kampouris career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kampoal01)

John Michael Mihalic B Nov. 13, 1911 D Apr. 24, 1987

John Mihalic would play in 69 games for the Washington Senators from 1935 through 1937. Playing at 2nd base and shortstop, Mihalic would leave the majors in September of 1937 with a .244 BA in 217 AB.

John Mihalic career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mihaljo01)

Steve Jeltz

11-14-2008, 12:16 AM

Senator Managers

Walter Johnson, 1929-1932

Record as Senator Manager: 350-264, .570 Pct.

Teams managed
1929: 71-81 .467 5th
1930: 94-60 .610 2nd
1931: 92-62 .597 3rd
1932: 93-61 .604 3rd

To blunt a possible public relations fallout for the dismissal of the popular Bucky Harris, Clark Griffith choose a man who was more popular than Harris, the immortal Walter Johnson. After his retirement in 1927, the Big Train managed for a season in Newark of the Eastern League. Johnson's hiring was greeted with enthusiasm among Nats fans.

Less than thrilled with the 1928 roster, Johnson pleaded with Griffith to reacquire Buddy Myer from Boston. Griffith got Myer back in Washington in a 5 player trade in December, 1928. Johnson planned to place Myer at 3B and move regular 3B Ossie Bluege to SS and bench Joe Cronin. Eventually, Johnson became impressed by Cronin and kept him at SS and moved Myer to 2B. But it was not enough to prevent the 1929 Senators from dropping into the second division for the first time in 7 years. Shoddy pitching and a below average offense were the culprits for the 5th place showing.

1930 would be a trying year personally for the Big Train. While the Nats rebounded to a 2nd place finish, Johnson suffered a devastating loss in July when his beloved wife Hazel passed away. The deadline trade of Goose Goslin to St. Louis for Heinie Manush and P General Crowder sparked Washington to a 10 game winning streak and a hold of 1st place in early July. Manush would hit .362 in 88 games after the trade. The bats of Joe Judge, Sam Rice, Myer and Sammy West produced .300 or better batting averages. The most important development was the breakout season for Cronin. The 23 year old walloped to a .346 beat with 13 HR and 126 RBI. On the pitching staff, four 15 game winners (Bump Hadley, Crowder, Sam Jones and Firpo Marberry) also contributed to the runner up finish.

Cronin would continue his ascent in 1931, bagging another 126 RBI on 12 home runs. Manush would hit .306 with 70 RBI in his first full season in Washington. Playing regularly in the starting nine, Joe Kuhel rewarded Johnson's faith by replacing the aging Judge at 1B and driving in 85 runs. Crowder would lead the pitching with an 18-11 mark. In all, the Senators dropped a notch to 3rd place and 2 less wins than in 1930.

Unchanged in 1932, the Senators once again came home with a 3rd place showing. Cronin and Manush bashed in 116 RBI apiece, hitting .318 and .342 respectively. The extraordinary Rice, now 42, hit at a .323 clip in 106 games. Crowder silenced opponents to the tune of 26 wins, with Monte Weaver throwing in 22 of his own. If the Nats were in the National League, they would have won the 1932 NL pennant. But, in the ultra competitive AL, the Nats could only muster 3rd place, 16 games in back of the Yankees.

It was implicitly implied that Johnson was to win the AL flag in 1932 in order to remain the Nats skipper. When the pennant failed to materialize, Griffith, in deference for all the Big Train had done for the franchise, asked Johnson if he could dismiss him as an employee. Knowing he was kindly being fired and realizing Griffith wanted to get his $25,000 contract of the books, Johnson respectfully replied yes and parted with Griffith on good terms.

Senators Birthdays

Marion John (Marty) Kutyna B Nov. 14, 1932 Still Living

Pitcher Marty Kutyna was originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals. He'd spend time in the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds organizations before being traded to the Kansas City Athletics prior to the 1959 season.

Kutyna would finally make his major league debut in mid-September of '59, pitching in 4 games, earning 1 save. He'd appear in 51 games for the Athletics in 1960, posting a 3-2 record with a 3.94 ERA.

Traded to the expansion Senators for Haywood Sullivan shortly after the expansion draft, Kutyna would pitch for Washington in 1961 and 1962, posting records of 6-8 and 5-6. His last major league appearance would come in late September of 1962.

"Marty" Kutyna career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kutynma01)

John Frank Lelivelt B Nov. 14, 1885 D Jan. 20, 1941

Outfielder and occasional 1st baseman Jack Lelivelt would debut with the Washington Senators in late June of 1909 as a 23 year old rookie. Hitting .292 in 91 games, Lelivelt would remain on the Senators rosterin 1910, when he'd hit .265 in 110 games and 1911, hitting at a .320 pace in 72 games.

On the roster of the New York Highlanders in 1912, he'd appear in just 36 games hitting.362.

Lelivelt would start with the Yankees, having changed their name from Highlanders during the off-season. He'd only appear in 18 games for the Yankees in 1913, his BA dropping to .214. Traded Cleveland Naps, Lelivelt would respond to the change in scenery by hitting .391 in 23 games.

Lelivelt would finish his career in Cleveland in 1914 hitting .328 in 34 games, his last appearance in the majors coming in mid-June.

Jack Lelivelt career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=lelivja01)

Joseph Howard Leonard B Nov. 14, 1893 D May 1, 1920

Joe Leonard made his major league debut in late April of 1914 as a 22 year old rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Primarily a 3rd baseman, Leonard would play in 53 games in his rookie season, hitting .198.

Out of the majors in 1915, Leonard would return with the Cleveland Indians in 1916, playing in just 3 games. In mid-August he'd be traded, along with Elmer Smith, to the Washington Senators for Joe Boehling and Danny Moeller.

Playing in Washington for the remainder of 1916, Leonard would appear in 42 games, hitting .274. His most active season would be 1917 when he'd play in 99 games but would see his batting average drop to .192. He'd rebound in 1918, raising his average to .258 in 71 games.

Leonard would start the 1920 season in Washington but would appear in just 1 game, on April 23rd, 1 day shy of the 6th anniversary of his first major league appearance.

8 days later, Leonard died, his cause of death listed as acute appendicitis.

Joe Leonard career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=leonajo01)

James Anthony Piersall B Nov. 14, 1929 Still Living

Signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1948, Jimmy Piersall would debut with the Red Sox in early September of 1950, appearing in 6 games. He wouldn't play in the majors in 1951 but would return with the Red Sox in 1952, playing in 56 games, hitting .267.

Piersall would remain on the Red Sox roster through 1958, being named to the American League All Star Team in 1954 & 1956.

After the 1958 season, Piersall would be traded to the Cleveland Indians where he'd spend 1959 through 1961.

Traded again, this time to the Washington Senators for Dick Donovan, Gene Green and Jim Mahoney after the 1961 season, Piersall would play in 135 games for the 1962 Senators, going 115 for 471, good for a .244 BA.

Piersall would start the 1963 season in Washington but after 29 games would be sent to the New York Mets in exchange for Gil Hodges who became the manager for the Senators.

Piersall would spend just over 2 months with the Mets. On June 23rd, Piersall would "celebrate" his 100th career home run by running the bases backwards-an act that particularly infuriated Mets manager Casey Stengel, who supposedly said something to the effect that "There's only room for one clown on this team!" Piersall was hitting a mere .194 at the time and was released one month later but was immediately signed by the Los Angeles Angels.

Piersall would remain with the Angels through 1967, making his last major league appearance in mid-May.

During his 17 year playing career, Piersall would lead the American League in doubles in 1956, sacrifice hits in 1953 and sacrifice flies in 1956.

Baseball Library biography on Jimmy Piersall (http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=Jimmy_Piersall_1929)

Jimmy Piersall career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=piersji01)

Steve Jeltz

11-15-2008, 01:05 AM

Senator Managers

Joe Cronin, 1933-1934

Record as Senator Manager: 165-139, .543

Teams Managed
1933: 99-53 .651 1st AL Pennant
1934: 66-86 .434 7th

Owner Clark Griffith felt his club was on the cusp of the pennant and needed the right man to push his team over the top. There wasn't really any doubt that Walter Johnson's successor would come from within the Senators organization. Sam Rice, Joe Judge and Griffith were the rumored candidates. But, much like how the Bucky Harris hiring shocked observers a decade before, Griffith once again threw a curve and named 24 year old star shortstop Joe Cronin manager of the Nats on October 8, 1932. A quick temper was the main reason the Silver Fox selected Cronin.

Going to work almost immediately, Cronin presented a list of players he wanted Griffith to acquire to counter the World Series winning Yankees pitching staff. Pitchers Earl Whitehill of Detroit, Cleveland's Jack Russell and the Browns Lefty Stewart. Griffith would trade for all three of the pitchers, who all would prove to be instrumental for 1933. Not done dealing, Griffith soon reacquired Goose Goslin from his 2 year banishment in St. Louis, as well as OF Fred Schulte in the Goslin deal. In January, Griffith shored up the catching spot with the acquistion of Indians receiver Luke Sewell.

Cronin had the honor of managing the finest team in Senators history in 1933. Everything that could go right, went right for Cronin. By mid-August, the Nats had a strangle hold on first and coasted easily to the pennant. The 99 regular season wins is the highest in Washington professional baseball history dating to 1884. Going into the World Series against the Giants, the Senators were the sure favorites. A surprising 5 game loss to the Giants that featured overconfidence on the Nats part and questionable decisions by Cronin cast the first blemishes on Cronin. Regretting accepting the managerial post, Cronin offered Griffith his resignation after the Series. Griffith demurred and retained Cronin as the pilot.

The fallout from the World Series defeat would carry over into 1934. If everything went right for Cronin in 1933, everything that could go wrong went wrong in 1934. Injuries, age, bad pitching and unproductive years from key players such as Cronin precipitated the nosedive into 7th place. The bright spot of 1934 was the emergence of 20 year old Cecil Travis, who batted .319 with 53 RBI in just 109 games. Scribes had a field day second-guessing Cronin at every turn. Again, Cronin wanted to resign and Griffith rejected Cronin's wish.

If not for Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey, Cronin would have been at the Nats helm in 1935. Yawkey, buying players to immediately contend, offered Griffith $225,000 and prospect Lyn Lary for Cronin. The "Old Fox", having lost money and owing banks money, reluctantly accepted Yawkey's proposition. Griffith's acceptance of Yawkey's offer was a franchise altering moment for the Senators.

Cronin would manage the Sox for 13 seasons, bringing Boston the AL pennant in 1946. After retiring from the dugout, Cronin would serve 10 seasons as the Red Sox GM before being selected as the American League president in January, 1959. The Hall of Famer would serve as AL president until 1973.

Senators Birthdays

Thompson Orville (Mickey) Livingston B Nov. 15, 1914 D Apr. 3, 1983

Signed by the Washington Senators in 1937, catcher Mickey Livingston would make his first major league appearance with the Senators in mid-September of 1938. Playing in 2 games, Livingston would go 3 for 4 at the plate.

Spending time "down on the farm", Livingston would be drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers in October of 1940 and traded a month later to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Livingston would return to the majors in 1941 with the Phillies, playing with them through August of 1943 when he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. Livingston wouldn't appear in the majors in 1944 but would return to the Cubs in 1945.

Livingston would play in 6 games of the 1945 World Series with the Cubs, going 8 for 22 with 3 doubles, good for a .364 BA.

Waived by the Cubs in July of 1947, Livingston would spend the remainder of 1947 with the Giants, extending his stay on the Giants roster through mid-June of 1949 when he was waived again, this time selected by the Boston Braves.

Livingston would play in 28 games for the Braves in 1949 and would finish his career in 1951, playing in 2 games for the Brooklyn Dodgers, his last appearance coming in mid-September.

"Mickey" Livingston career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=livinmi01)

Aa3rt

11-16-2008, 02:50 AM

Senators Birthdays

Leslie Ferdinand (Buster) Narum B Nov. 16, 1940 D May 17, 2004

Signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 1958, pitcher Buster Narum would finally make it to the majors in 1963.

Pitching in 7 games in his inaugural season, Narum would post a 3.00 ERA.

Traded to the Washington Senators for a player to be named later (That player eventually being Lou Pinella.) Narum would spend the next 4 seasons with the Senators.

Narum would go 9-15 in 38 games in 1964, appearing in 38 games. In 1965 he'd pitch in 46 games, going 4-12.

Spending time in the minor leagues in 1966 and 1967, Narum would only appear in a total of 5 games in his last 2 seasons, making his last major league appearance in September of 1967.

Narum would be traded to the Chicago White Sox prior to the 1968 season, along with Tim Cullen and Bob Priddy for Dennis Higgins, Steve Jones and Ron Hansen. However his major league playing days were over and he'd never pitch in another major league game.

"Buster" Narum career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=narumbu01)

Conrad Starkel B Nov. 16, 1880 D Jan. 19, 1933

One Game Wonder Con Starkel tasted his cup of coffee with the Senators on April 19th of 1906. Pitching for 3 innings, Starkel would surrender 7 hits, 2 walks and 6 runs, departing the Senators Coffee Shop with a lifetime ERA of 18.00.

Con Starkel career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=starkco01)

Steve Jeltz

11-16-2008, 10:04 PM

1960 The American League awards the new Washington expansion franchise to "The Senators Inc.", a group of 10 investors headed by Elwood "Pete" Quesada‚ an administrator with the Federal Aviation Agency. Other investors of "The Senators Inc.": Katherine Graham of the Washington Post, Floyd Akers, chairman of the D.C. Armory Board, former Ireland ambassador George Garrett, George Bunker, chairman of Martin Aircraft, James Johnston, James Lemon, Robert Levi, John Sweeterman and George Wheeler.

Senators Birthdays

Edward Miguel (Mike) Garcia B Nov. 17, 1923 D Jan. 13, 1986

Mike Garcia, also known as "The Big Bear" debuted with the Cleveland Indians in early October of 1948. He'd appear in just 1 game but would be a mainstay of the Indians pitching staff from 1949 through 1959. In his first full season, Garcia would post a 14-5 record with a 2.36 ERA, appearing in 41 games. Garcia would win 20 games in 1951 and 22 in 1952.

He'd lead the American League in ERA in 1949 and 1954 and shutouts in 1952 and 1954. Garcia would be named to the All Star Teams of 1952, '53 & '54 and would appear in 2 games of the 1954 World Series, being charged with 1 loss, as the Indians were swept by the New York Giants.

As his career wound down, Garcia was released by the Indians in 1959. He'd be signed by the Chicago White Sox for the 1960 season, where he'd appear in a total of 15 games. He was released by the White Sox in late May but would be re-signed in early September.

Released by the White Sox after the 1960 season, Garcia would have one last fling in the majors when he was signed by the expansion Senators in mid-July of 1961. Pitching in 15 games, Garcia would go 0-1 in 19 innings with a 4.74 ERA. He'd make his last appearance in the majors in early September and was released by the Senators 3 days later.

"Mike" Garcia career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=garcimi01)

Richard Henry Weik B Nov. 17, 1927 D Apr. 21, 1991

Signed by the Senators in 1946, pitcher Dick Weik arrived on the major league scene in early September of 1948. Pitching in 3 games, Weik would go 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA.

Returning to Washington in 1949 Weik would go 3-12 in 27 games. He'd post a 1-3 record in 1950 before being traded in mid-June to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Mickey Vernon. Finishing 1950 in Cleveland, Weik would post a 1-3 record with the Tribe.

He wouldn't appear in the majors in 1951 or 1952 and would be traded to the Detroit Tigers in mid-June of 1953. Weik would appear in 12 games for the Tigers in 1953 and 9 games in 1954, going 0-1 each season, making his final major league appearance in early July of 1954.

Dick Weik career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=weikdi01)

Norbert Henry Zauchin B Nov. 17, 1929 D Jan. 31, 1999

Signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1948, 1st baseman Norm Zauchin would get his first taste of the big leagues in 1951, playing in 5 games.

Zauchin wouldn't be back until 1955 when he'd play in 130 games for the Red Sox, hitting .239 with 27 home runs but also leading the American League in strikeouts with 105. His playing time would be cut to 44 games in 1956 but in 1957 he'd have a career best .264 BA, playing in 52 games.

Traded to the Washington Senators, along with Albie Pearson for Pete Runnels before the 1958 season, Zauchin would play in 96 games for the 1958 Senators, hitting .228 with 15 homers.

Zauchin would appear in just 19 games for the Senators in 1959, his BA slipping to .211 when he was released in early May, marking the end of his major league career.

Norm Zauchin career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=zauchno01)

Steve Jeltz

11-17-2008, 07:59 PM

1924 Cal Ewing, owner of the Pacific Coast League's Oakland Oaks, prematurely announces that he has sold the franchise to Walter Johnson. The announcement is made after Johnson's representative George Weiss deposits a $5,000 check towards the purchase of the Oaks. With the recent sale of the Cardinals for $275,000, the price Ewing sets for the Oakland franchise is an unheard of $450,000. Despite the speculation and negotiations, the sale will fall through and the Big Train will return to the Nats for the 1925 season.

1934 The comedy duo of Nick Altrock and Al Schacht is officially disbanded when Schacht joins Joe Cronin in Boston as a coach.

1959 For the second consecutive year, a Senator is named the AL Rookie of the Year. This year it is OF Bob Allison. Allison receives 18 of a possible 24 votes for the award, well ahead of the runner-up, pitcher Jim Perry of the Indians.

Senators Birthdays

James Philip Shellenback BNov. 18, 1943 Still Living

Pitcher Jim Shellenback was signed prior to the start of the 1962 season by the New York Yankees. He'd be drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates that fall.

Shellenback wouldn't find his way to the majors until 1966 when he'd appear in 2 games for the Pirates. He'd aslo make brief appearances in a Pirates uniform in 1967 and 1969 before being traded to the Washington Senators in mid-May of '69 for Frank Kreutzer.

Shellenback would be active with the Senators, appearing in 30 games in 1969, posting a 3-4 record. He'd go 6-7 in 39 games in 1970 but would tumble to 3-11 in 40 games in 1971.

Making the move to Texas with the franchise, Shellenback would pitch in 22 games in 1972 going 2-4. He'd only pitch in 2 games for the Rangers in 1973 and another 11 in 1974.

Purchased by the San Diego Padres, Shellenback would never play for the Padres before being released before the start of the 1977 season. Signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Twins in August of that year, Shellenback would appear in 5 games for the Twins. His ERA would swell to 7.94 and he was released at the end of the season, concluding his major league career.

Jim Shellenback career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shellji01)

William Martin Shipke B Nov. 18, 1882 D Sep. 10, 1940

Bill Shipke debuted with the Cleveland Naps way back in April of 1906. Playing in 2 games, he'd go 0-6 at the plate.

Shipke would return to the majors in 1907, this time with the Washington Senators. Primarily a 3rd baseman, Shipke would play in 64 games, hitting .196. His most active season would be 1907 when he'd appear in 111 games, hitting .208. Shipke's stint in the majors would end in mid-May of 1909. Hitting .125, Shipke would appear in 9 games for Washington.

Bill Shipke career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=shipkbi01)

Roy Edward Sievers B Nov. 18, 1926 Still Living

Roy Sievers would break into the major leagues in a big way in 1949. Playing in 140 games, Sievers would hit .306 with 144 hits including 28 doubles and 16 home runs (1 grand slam) and drive in 91 runs. Sievers was a bright spot in the lineup of the otherwise hapless Browns in their waning years and would earn "Rookie Of The Year" honors in 1949.

Sievers playing time would be reduced to 113 games in 1950 as his BA dropped to .238. Hampered by arm and shoulder injuries, his playing time with the Browns from 1951 through 1953 would be severely curtailed.

After the Browns franchise headed east to be rechristened as the Baltimore Orioles, Sievers was traded before the start of the 1954 season to the Washington Senators for Gil Coan. Sievers would be a regular in the Washington lineup from 1954 through 1959 and would have an outstanding season in 1957, hitting .301 and leading the American League in home runs with 42 (No small feat when half your games were in expansive Griffith Stadium.), RBI's, total bases and extra base hits.

As the 1960 season was about to begin, Sievers was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Earl Battey, Don Mincher and $150,000. After 2 seasons in Chicago, where he'd hit .295 both years, Sievers was traded again, this time to the Philadelphia Phillies. Sievers would spend 1962, 1963 and part of 1964 in Philadelphia when he'd be purchased by the expansion Senators in mid-July.

By this time Sievers had reached the age of 37 and the batting prowess he'd displayed as a younger player was gone. He'd hit just .172 in 33 games for Washington in 1964 and .190 in 12 games in 1965 before being released in mid-May, ending his major league career.
(Sievers would actually be released in mid-October of 1964, re-signed by the Senators in early April of 1965, only to be released again about 5 weeks later.)

Sievers is the only player to have played for the St. Louis Browns and both versions of the Washington Senators.

Roy Sievers career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sievero01)

Marion Sylvester (Bud) Zipfel B Nov. 18, 1938 Still Living

Another player who got his start in the New York Yankees organization is Bud Zipfel, who was signed by the Yankees in the summer of 1956. Spending 4 years in the Yankees system, Zipfel was selected by the "new" Senators in the expansion draft. Zipfel would spend 2 seasons in Washington. Sent down to Houston when that Texas city was still a minor league outpost prior to the start of the 1961 season, Zipfel would be recalled in late July. He'd appear in 50 games with the Senators playing 1st base, hitting an even .200.

Zipfel would start the 1962 season in Washington, but would be optioned to Syracuse of the International League in early May. Recalled in late June, Zipfel would play in a total of 68 games for the Senators hitting .239. He'd play in his last game in late September and would be sold to San Diego, then of the Pacific Coast League after the season, never to return to the major leagues.

"Bud" Zipfel career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=zipfebu01)

Steve Jeltz

11-18-2008, 09:52 PM

1936 Dubbed "the pitcher who got an 11 year tryout" by Bucky Harris, southpaw Bobby Burke is sent to the Philles as part of a conditional deal. Burke pitched a no-hitter against Boston on August 8, 1931 and went 38-46 with a 4.28 ERA in 9 seasons in Washington.

1960 Ed Doherty is appointed the first general manager of the expansion Senators. It is also announced that fan favorite Mickey Vernon will be the field manager of the new franchise. Vernon had served as a player-coach under Pirates manager and boyhood friend Danny Murtaugh in 1960.

1965 Don Zimmer is issued his unconditional release by the Senators, ending his playing career. Zimmer soon will begin a coaching and managerial career that will last more than 4 decades, managing San Diego, Boston, Texas and the Cubs. Zimmer was the manager of the the ill-fated 1978 Red Sox that lost the playoff for AL East division on Yankee Bucky Dent's famous home run. From 1996-2004, he served as a bench coach under Joe Torre with the Yankees.

Senators Birthdays

Elmer Harley Boss B Nov. 19, 1908 D May 15, 1964

1st baseman Harley Boss debuted with the Washington Senators in mid-July of 1928. He'd play in a grand total of 43 games over the span of 3 seasons from 1928 through 1930. His best year with the Senators would be 1929 when he'd appear in 28 games and hit .273.

Traded to the Cleveland Indians after the 1930 season for Jack Russell and Bruce Connatser, Boss would not return to the majors until 1933. Playing in 112 games for the Indians that season, Boss would hit .269, his major league career ending in late September.

Harley Boss career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bossha01)

Henry Seymour (Harry) Courtney B Nov. 19, 1898 D Dec. 11, 1954

Harry Courtney, a pitcher by trade, would make his first major league appearance with the Senators in late 1919. Courtney would pitch in 4 games that first season, starting 3 and finishing the season with a 3-0 record and an ERA of 2.73.

Appearing in 37 games for Washington in 1920, Courtney would post an 8-11 record and would see his ERA climb to 4.74. 1921 would bring more of the same as Courtney would pitch in 30 games, going 6-9 with his ERA climbing almost another run per game to 5.63.

Courtney would pitch in just 5 games for the Senators in 1922 before being sold to the Chicago White Sox in May. He'd finish the 1922 season, and his major league career with the White Sox that season, posting a 5-6 record in 18 games.

"Harry" Courtney career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=courtha01)

Lewis Everett Scott B Nov. 19, 1892 D Nov. 2, 1960

Closing out today's birthday list is Everett Scott who would play 13 years, appearing in 1,654 games. Only 33 of those games would be in a Senators uniform near the end of his career.

Scott would debut with the Boston Red Sox in April of 1914. Playing shortstop, Scott would play regularly through 1921.

Traded to the New York Yankees after the 1921 season, Scott would be with the Yankees through mid-June of 1925. Released by the Yankees, Scott would be claimed by the Washington Senators. Finishing the season in Washington, Scott would play in 33 games, hitting .272.

He'd be released again by the Senators after the 1925 season and would be claimed by the Chicago White Sox.

Playing in 40 games for the 1926 White Sox, Scott would be released one last time in early July. This time he was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds. Scott would play in just 4 games for the Reds, concluding his major league journey in late July.

Scott would play in 5 World Series-with the Red Sox in 1915, 1916 & 1918 and with the Yankees in 1922 and 1923. While his overall series BA is a paltry .156, he did shine in the 1923 series. Saving his best for last, Scott would go 7 for 22 in 6 games, good for a .318 BA.

Everett Scott career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=scottev01)

Aa3rt

11-20-2008, 08:33 PM

Senators Birthdays

Louis Joseph Berberet B Nov. 20, 1929 D Apr. 6, 2004

Catcher Lou Berberet was originally signed by the New York Yankees in 1950. He'd finally amke it to the majors in mid-September of 1954 as a 24 year old rookie. Playing in 5 games, Berberet would go 2 for 5 at bat with 3 RBI's and 1 run scored. In 1955 Berberet would play in just 2 games for the Yankees but would again go 2 for 5 at bat. In later years, Berberet would joke that he was a career .400 hitter with the Yankees.

Before the 1956 season, Berberet was traded, along with Herb Plews, Dick Tettelbach and Bob Weisler (and Whitey Herzog as the "player to be named later") to the Washington Senators in exchange for Bobby Kline and Mickey McDermott.

Berberet would spend 1956, 1957 and the early part of 1958 with the Senators, finally getting the opportunity to play on a regular basis. Berberet would play in 95 games in 1956 and 99 games in 1957, hitting .261 each season.

After 5 games in 1958, Berberet was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Ken Aspromonte. He'd finish the 1958 season playing in 57 games for Boston before being traded again to the Detroit Tigers where he'd finish his career in 1959 and 1960.

Lou Berberet career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=berbelo01)

Clark Calvin Griffith B Nov. 20, 1869 D Oct. 27, 1955

Hall Of Famer should need no introduction to even casual baseball fans. Born just a few years after the end of the Civil War, Griffith's major league baseball career began in 1891 with the St. Louis Browns of the American Association. Pitching in 27 games for St. Louis, Griffith would post an 11-8 record with a 3.33 ERA. Even with that performance, Griffith was released in July and signed on with the Boston Reds, also of the American Association in August where he'd finish the season going 3-1 in 7 games.

Out of the majors in 1892, Griffith would return in 1893 with the Chicago franchise, then known as the Colts through 1900. The Colts would change the name of the franchise to Orphans in 1898. Griffith would win over 20 games a season in 7 different seasons with the Colts/Orphans, including 6 consecutive years from 1894 through 1899. He'd also lead the league in 1898 with a 1.88 ERA and complete games with 37 in 1897.

Jumping to the Chicago White Sox in the newly formed American League in 1901, Griffith would spend 2 years with the White Sox serving as a player/manager, leading the team to a 1st place finish in 1901 (before the inauguration of the World Series) but would finish a dsappointing 4th in 1902.

Joining the New York Highlanders (later Yankees) in 1903, again as a player/manager, Griffith would remain on the Highlanders roster through 1907 and would strictly manage in 1908. The best the team would be able to do was to finish 2nd in 1904 and 1906. He'd resign as manager in June of 1908 after the Highlanders had lost 12 of 13 games, blaming himself and bad luck.

He'd have a change of heart over the off season and would sign on as player/manager with the Cincinnati Reds. Griffith would only pitch in 1 game in the 1909 season being charged with the loss. He'd guide the Reds to declining finishes of 4th, 5th and 6th place from 1909 to 1911.

In 1912 Griffith would join the Senators desiring to become an owner. He'd manage the Senators from 1912 through 1920, the 1912 & 1913 teams finishing in 2nd place. He'd pitch in 1 game a season in 1912, 1913 & 1914, his final appearance as a player coming in October of 1914.

Griffith would go on to become owner of the Senators until his death in 1955. Griffith was known as a shrewd judge of talent. As has been noted many times during this continuing history of Senators players, Griffith's "Cuban Connection" brought many players to the major leagues.

An excellent biography of Clark Griffith can be found at the SABR website:

SABR Clark Griffith biography by Mike Grahek (http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=1&bid=1727&pid=5494)

Clark Griffith career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=griffcl01)

Felix Thaddeus Mackiewicz B Nov. 20, 1917 D Dec. 20, 1993

Beginning his career with the Philadelphia Athletics, outfielder Felix Maciewicz would make brief appearances with the A's in 1941, 1942 and 1943 playing in a total of 20 games over 3 seasons.

Out of the major leagues in 1944, Mackiewicz would return with the Cleveland Indians in 1945, playing in 120 games, hitting .273. He'd hit .260 in 78 games in 1946.

After 2 games with the Indians in 1947, Mackiewicz would be released and selected off waivers by the Washington Senators. 3 games in a Senators uniform in late May would mark the end of Mackiewicz's career.

Felix Mackiewicz career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mackife01)

George Florian McBride B Nov. 20, 1880 D Jul. 2, 1973

Shortstop George McBride made his major league debut with the original Milwaukee Brewers in 1901. Playing in 3 games he'd go 2 for 12 at bat and would disappear from the major leagues until 1905.

McBride would start the 1905 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates but after 27 games, hitting .218, he'd be traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. McBride would finish the year in St. Louis and would return in 1906 to play in 90 games, although he'd only manage to hit .169.

Out of the majors again in 1907, McBride would resurface in 1908 with the Washington Senators. This time McBride would manage to stay for some time, playing with the Senators through 1920. He'd appear in 139 games or more every season from 1908 through 1916. Never much of a hitter, McBride's best season at the plate would come in 1911 when he'd hit .235.

McBride's playing time would diminish in his final 4 seasons, and he'd make his last major league appearance in late July of 1920.

George McBride career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mcbrige01)

Aa3rt

11-21-2008, 09:59 AM

Senators Birthdays

William Frederick Clingman B Nov. 21, 1869 D May 14, 1958

Billy Clingman began his major league career in September of 1890 with the Cincinnati Reds. Primarily a 3rd baseman, although he'd also get a lot of playing time at shortstop, Clingman would appear in 7 games for the Reds, hitting .259.

In 1891, he'd play in 1 games with the Cincinnati Porkers of the American Association.

Clingman would not return to the major league scene until 1895 when he'd play in 106 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting .259.

Traded to the Louisville Colonels, Clingman would spend the next 4 years (1896-1899) in the Bluegrass State, with 1899 being his best season at the plate when he'd hit .262, collecting 96 hits in 366 AB.

Purchased by the Chicago Orphans, Clingman would play in 47 games for Chicago, his BA slipping to .208, being released in early August.

In 1901, Clingman would join the Washington Senators in the newly formed American League, playing in 137 games, hitting .242.

Clingman would take another hiatus from the majors in 1902 but would return in 1903, playing in 21 games for the Cleveland American League franchise then known as the Blues, playing in his last major league game in mid-July.

Billy Clingman career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=clingbi01)

Tommy Lee McCraw B Nov. 21, 1940 Still Living

Signed by the Chicago White Sox in 1960, 1st baseman/outfielder Tommy McCraw would make his major league debut with the team in early June of 1963. Playing in 102 games his first season, McCraw would hit .254. He'd remain with the White Sox through 1970.

Traded to the Washington Senators for Ed Stroud, McCraw would play in 122 games for the Senators in their last season in Washington.

In fact, McCraw has the distinction of hitting the last RBI for the Senators, scoring Tom Ragland, giving the Senators a 7-5 lead in their final game before an unruly crowd caused the game to be forefeited 9-0 to the New York Yankees. :cry:

Moving with the franchise to Texas, McCraw would never play for the Rangers, being traded in early June of 1972 to the Cleveland Indians. He'd play in 129 games for Cleveland, hitting .258 before being traded to the California Angels before the start of the 1973 season.

McCraw would spend 1973 and a portion of 1974 with the Angels before he was purchased by the the Indians and brought back to Cleveland. McCraw would post the highest BA of his career, .304, in 45 games with the Indians that season.

In 1975, he'd appear in 23 games for the Indians, being released at the end of June, marking the end of his major league career.

Tommy McCraw career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mccrato01)

Aa3rt

11-22-2008, 02:39 AM

Senators Birthdays

We have a quintet of Senators Short Timers to note this November 22nd:

William James Hollahan B Nov. 22, 1896 D Nov. 27, 1965

Short Timer Bill Hollahan spent 1 week with the 1920 Senators. Playing 3rd base, Hollohan would go 1 for 4 at the plate, walking once, stealing 1 base and getting credit for 1 RBI.

Bill Hollahan career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hollabi01)

Alexander Pitko B Nov. 22, 1914 Still Living

Outfielder Alex Pitko would appear in 7 games with the 1938 Philadelphia Phillies, hitting .316.

In 1939, he'd play in 4 games for the Senators, going 1 for 8 at the plate, making his last major league appearance in mid-September.

Alex Pitko career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=pitkoal01)

Harry Francis Rice B Nov. 22, 1901 D Jan. 1, 1971

Harry Rice would play 10 seasons in the majors, appearing in 1034 games. However only 47 of those games would be in a Senators uniform.

Debuting with the St. Louis Browns in 1923, Rice was primarily an outfielder, but would play all infield positions, including catcher, during his career.

He'd play with the Browns for 5 seasons, from 1923 through 1927, hitting .359 in 103 games in 1925.

Traded to the Detroit Tigers after the 1927 season, Rice would spend 1928, 1929 and part of 1930 with the Tigers. In late May of 1930 he was traded again, this time to the New York Yankees, where he'd play in an even 100 games, hitting .298.

Even with that performance, Rice was waived by the Yankees after the season. He'd be claimed by the Washington Senators, playing in 47 games, hitting .265 before being sold to the International League Baltimore Orioles in late July.

Rice would spend the remainder of 1931 and all of 1932 in the minors before being purchased by the Cincinnati Reds.

Rice's last season would be 1933, when he'd play in 143 games for the Reds, hitting .261, playing in his last major league game in early October.

Harry Rice career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=riceha01)

Dennis Michael Riddleberger B Nov. 22, 1945 Still Living

Pitcher Denny Riddleberger was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1967. Traded to the Washington Senators for George Brunet in late August of 1970, Riddleberger would appear in 8 games and finish the season with a 0.96 ERA.

Back with the Senators in 1971, their final season in Washington, Riddleberger would pitch in 57 games, posting a 3-1 record with a 3.23 ERA.

After the season, Riddleberger would be part of a multi-player trade that sent him to the Cleveland Indians.

Riddleberger would pitch in 38 games for the Indians in 1972, going 1-3. His last major league game would come in late September.

Denny Riddleberger career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=riddlde01)

Walter Edward Tauscher B Nov. 22, 1901 D Nov. 27, 1992

Walt Tauscher first appear in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates in mid-April of 1928 as a 26 year old rookie. Pitching in 17 games, Tauscher would leave with no W/L record and an ERA of 4.91.

Tauscher wouldn't return to the majors until 1931 when he'd pitch in 6 games for the Senators. He'd leave the Senators, and the majors, in early May with a 1-0 record and an ERA of 7.50.

Walt Tauscher career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=tauscwa01)

Aa3rt

11-23-2008, 06:12 PM

Senators Birthdays

Just 1 birthday to report this Noverber 23rd:

Herman Charles Reich B Nov. 23, 1917 Still Living

Senators Short Timer Herman Reich spent 1 odd season in the majors in 1949.

Drafted by the Cleveland Indians from Portland of the Pacific Coast League in 1948, Reich would be waived by the Indians before ever appearing in a major league game.

Selected off waivers by the Washington Senators, Reich would make his major league debut in early May. He'd appear in just 2 games in a Senators uniform, going 0-2 at the plate, before being returned to the Indians.

Reich would play in 1 game for Cleveland going 1 for 2 at the plate with 1 walk when he'd be waived again, this time picked up by the Chicago Cubs in mid-May.

With the Cubs, Reich would actually go on to have a decent season, batting .280 with 108 hits including 18 doubles, 2 triples and 3 homers with 36 RBI's while playing both 1st base and outfield. However even with that performance, Reich would never return to the majors, playing in his last game in early October of 1949.

Herman Reich career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=reichhe01)

Aa3rt

11-24-2008, 06:20 PM

Senators Birthdays

Angelo John (Tony) Giuliani B Nov. 24, 1912 D Oct. 8, 2004

Catcher Tony Giuliani was drafted by the St. Louis Browns from his hometown Saint Paul Saints of the American Association in October of 1935.

Debuting with the Browns in mid-April of 1936, Giuliani would play in 71 games in his rookie season hitting .217. He'd appear in just 19 games for the Browns in 1937 but would raise his batting average by 85 points, to .302.

Giuliani would be purchased by the Washington Senators prior to the start of the 1938 season. He'd appear in 46 games in 1938, hitting .217 (again) and in 1939 he'd hit .250 in 54 games.

Purchased by the Brooklyn Dodgers in April of 1940, Giuliani would play in only 4 games for the Dodgers-1 game in 1940 and 3 in 1941.

Giuliani wouldn't play in the majors in 1942 and was drafted by the Washington Senators from the Minneapolis Millers, also of the American Association in March of 1944. In his second stint in Washington, Giuliani would play in 49 games, hitting .226, playing in his last major league game in early October of 1943.

"Tony" Giuliani career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=giulito01)

Richard Eugene Phillips B Nov. 24, 1931 D Mar. 29, 1998

Dick Phillips first joined the Washington Senators organization in June of 1951. However it would be over 11 years before he got his first taste of the major leagues. In 1955 he'd become a member of the Milwaukee Braves system and in 1960 was transferred to the San Francisco Giants.

Phillips would finally make his major league debut in April of 1962 as a 30 year old rookie 1st baseman. He;d play in just 5 games for the Giants, going 0 for 3 at the plate but being credited with 1 run scored and 1 RBI.

Reacquired by the Senators, Phillips most active season would be 1963 when he'd play in 124 games, mainly at 1st base, but also filling in at 2nd and 3rd, hitting .237 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI's.

Phillips would play in 109 games for the Senators in 1964 but would be sold to Toronto of the International League at the end of the season. He'd spend time in Toronto and Hawaii when the Islanders of the PCL were Washington's AAA farm team, being recalled in late June of 1966. Phillips would play in 25 games for the Senators, his BA slipping to .162 and he'd be sold back to Hawaii after the 1966 season, having played in his last major league game in late September.

Dick Phillips career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=philldi01)

Aa3rt

11-25-2008, 04:20 PM

Senators Birthdays

James Dement Weaver B Nov. 25, 1903 D Dec. 12, 1983

Pitcher Jim Weaver is another of those players who spent a goodly time in the major leagues but qualifies as a "Senators Short Timer".

In Weaver's case, he'd play in 189 games with 6 different teams, including 2 separate stints with the St. Louis Browns, but would only play in 3 games in a Washington uniform.

The Senators picked up Weaver from their long-time farm team in Chatanooga in mid-August of 1928. He'd debut with the Senators 9 days later, pitching in 3 games, in a total of 6 innings and finish his short time with Washington with a 1.50 ERA.

Weaver wouldn't play in the majors again until 1931 when he'd pitch in 2 games for the New York Yankees.

Out of the majors again until 1934, Weaver would be purchased from the Yankees by the St. Louis Browns where he'd pitch in 5 games. Returned to the Yankees after compiling a 6.41 ERA, he'd be released by New York and selected by the Chicago Cubs on the same day.

Finishing the 1934 season in Chicago, Weaver would go 11-9 with a 3.91 ERA.

Traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Weaver would post identical 14-8 records in 1935 and 1936. In 1937 his record would be 8-5.

Purchased by the St. Louis Browns prior to the start of the 1938 season, Weaver would have another short appearance with the Browns, pitching in 1 game where he'd be charged with the loss. Purchased by the Cincinnati Reds in late April, Weaver would finish the season with the Reds, going 6-4 in 30 games.

1939 would be Weaver's last season in the majors-he'd pitch in 3 games for the Reds, making his last appearance in early May. The next day he was shipped back to the Browns but would not return to the major leagues.

Jim Weaver career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=weaveji01)

Archibald Clifton Wilson B Nov. 25, 1923 D Apr. 28, 2007

Archie Wilson would have a similar experience, playing for 3 teams over the course of 2 seasons, his major league experience totalling less than 1 year.

Signed by the New York Yankees in 1947, Wilson would debut with the Yankees in mid-September of 1951. Playing in the outfield in 4 games, he'd go 0-4 at bat.

Wilson would return with the Yankees in 1952 but would appear in just 3 games where he'd go 1 for 2 with 1 RBI.

Traded to the Washington Senators in early May, along with Jackie Jensen, Spec Shea and Jerry Snyder in exchange for Irv Noren and Tom Upton, Wilson would appear in 26 games hitting .208.

Approximately 5 weeks later, Wilson would be traded again, this time to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Ken Wood. He'd finish his major league career with the Red Sox playing in 18 games hitting .263, making his last appearance in early August.

Archie Wilson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=wilsoar03)

Aa3rt

11-26-2008, 02:24 PM

1960 Twins is chosen as the new name for the original Washington Senators franchise, transplanted to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul after the end of the 1960 season.

Senators Birthdays

Vernon Louis (Lefty) Gomez B Nov. 26, 1908 D Feb. 17, 1989

Hall Of Famer Lefty Gomez spent 14 years in the major leagues-13 of those with the New York Yankees. Debuting in late April of 1930, Gomez' first season (2-5 in 15 games, 5.55 ERA) would not be indicative of his future success.

In 1931 Gomez would post a 21-9 record in 40 games, lowering his ERA to .267. Gomez would pitch for the Yankees through 1942. During that time he'd be a 20 game winner 4 times, would be named to the American League All Star Team every year from 1933 through 1939 and would collect 5 World Series rings, compiling a 6-0 record pitching in 7 World Series games.

Gomez would lead the league in ERA in 1934 and 1937 and wins those same seasons with 26 and 21 respectively. He'd also lead the league in strikeouts in 1933, 1934 and 1937.

After the 1942 season, Gomez was purchased by the Boston Braves. He'd never play a game for Boston and was released in mid-May. Two days later Gomez would be purchased by the Washington Senators. He'd pitch in just 1 game in a Washington uniform in late May of 1943, hurling 4.2 innings and being charged with the loss. Gomez would be released in mid-July bringing down the curtain on a memorable career.

"Lefty" Gomez career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=gomezle01)

Robert Lee Johnson B Nov. 26, 1906 D Jul. 6, 1982

Outfielder Bob Johnson made his major league debut with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1933 as a 27 year old rookie.

Playing in 142 games his first year, he'd hit .290 with 44 doubles and 21 home runs. Johnson would remain a regular in the Philadelphia outfield through 1942 hitting .300 or better in 4 seasons. He'd hit 30 homers in 1938 and would hit for a .338 average in 1939.

Traded to the Washington Senators before the 1943 season for Bobby Estalella, Johnson would hit .265 in 117 games.

Sold to the Boston Red Sox after the 1943 season, Johnson would finish his career with the Red Sox in 1944 & 1945.

Johnson was named to the All Star team 8 times during his 13 year career, representing all 3 teams he played for and led the league in on base percentage in 1944.

Bob Johnson career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=johnsbo01)

John Francis Kerr B Nov. 26, 1898 D Oct. 19, 1993

John Kerr got his start as an infielder for the Detroit Tigers in 1923. Used sparingly, Kerr would only play in 19 games in 1923 and 17 games in 1924.

He would not return to the major leagues until 1929 when he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. Kerr would play for the White Sox from 1929 to 1931. He'd appear in 127 games in 1929 and 128 games in 1931. His best season at bat would be 1930 when he'd hit .289 in 70 games.

Traded to the Washington Senators along with Carl Reynolds in exchange for Jackie Hayes, Bump Hadley and Sam Jones, Kerr would finish his career with Washington, playing from 1932 through 1934. He'd play in 1 game of the 1933 World Series as the Senators lost to the New York Giants in 6 games. His major league career would end with the close of the 1934 season.

John Kerr career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=kerrjo01)

Aa3rt

11-27-2008, 02:14 PM

A Happy Thanksgiving to all who are following this thread. November 27th brings us a trio of pitchers who were born on this date.

Senators Birthdays

Louis Eugene Bevil (born Bevilacqua) B Nov. 27, 1922 D Feb. 1, 1973

Senators Short Timer Lou Bevil spent 11 days on the Washington roster in early September of 1942. Pitching in 4 games, Bevil would compile an 0-1 record with a 6.52 ERA.

Lou Bevil career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bevillo01)

Leslie Ambrose (Joe) Bush B Nov. 27, 1892 D Nov. 1, 1974

"Bullet" Joe Bush pitched in the major leagues for 17 years, with 7 different teams, compiling a 195-183 career record with a lifetime ERA of 3.51. The 12 games he pitched for Washington in the spring of 1926 qualify him as a "Senators Short Timer" and also enable him to join the list of the "Fab Fourteen"-players who played for the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators during their careers.

Going way back to the fall of 1912, Bush would debut with the Philadelphia Athletics, pitching in 1 game. He'd remain on the Athletics roster through 1917, having his best year with the A's in 1914 when he'd go 16-12 but also suffer the fate of going 15-24 in 1916.

Traded to the Boston Red Sox after the 1917 season, Bush would spend the next 4 seasons in Boston going 16-9 in 1921.

Another trade sent Bush to the New York Yankees for the 1922 season, where he'd have his only year with more than 20 wins, going 26-7. Bush would remain with the Yankees through 1924 when he'd be traded again, this time to the St. Louis Browns.

1925 would be Bush's only season with the Browns, where he'd post an even 14-14 record.

Traded again, this time to the Washington Senators, along with Jack Tobin in exchange for Tom Zachary and Win Ballou, Bush would go 1-8 with a 6.69 ERA before being sold to the Pitsburgh Pirates in early July of 1926.

Bush would go 6-6 for the Pirates the remainder of the 1926 season and would start 1927 there as well, going 1-2 in 5 games before going to the New York Giants where he'd post a 1-1 record in 3 games.

Bush would return to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1928 going 2-1 in 11 games, ending his career on September 30th of 1928, precisely 16 years to the day after he debuted with the A's in 1912.

Bush would pitch in 5 World Series, in 1913 and 1914 with the Athletics, 1918 with the Boston Red Sox and 1923 & 24 with the New York Yankees, compiling a 2-5 record with a 2.67 ERA in World Series play.

"Joe" Bush career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=bushjo01)

John Albert Schmitz B Nov. 27, 1920 Still Living

Johnny Schmitz would spend 13 years in the major leagues, with 2 and a half seasons coming in a Senators uniform.

Originally selected by the Cleveland Indians in 1938, Schmitz would become a part of the Chicago Cubs organization in 1939. He'd debut in the majors with the Cubs in early September of 1941, posting a 2-0 record his first year. He'd go 3-7 with the 1942 Cubs.

Schmitz would not play in the majors during the war years of 1943-1945 but would return to the Cubs in 1946, going 11-11 in 41 games for Chicago. One of his best seasons would be 1948 when he'd post an 18-13 record in 34 games.

Traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers in mid-June of 1951, Schmitz would compile a 1-4 record in 16 games while in Brooklyn.

1952 would find Schmitz on the roster of 3 teams-starting the season in Brooklyn, he'd be waived and selected by the New York Yankees in early August. Schmit would pitch in just 5 games for the Yankees going 1-1, before he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds less than 1 month later. Schmitz would go 1-0 in 3 games with the Reds.

Purchased by the Yankees after the 1953 season, Schmitz would appear in just 3 games before being waived and selected by the Washington Senators in mid-May. Schmitz would remain a Senator through the end of the 1955 season, proving there was still some life in the old arm by going 11-8 for Washington in 1954.

After the 1955 season, Schmitz would be a part of the big trade that sent Bob Porterfield, Tom Umphlett and Mickey Vernon, along with Schmitz, to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Dick Brodowski, Neil Chrisley, Tex Clevenger and minor leaguer Al Curtis.

Schmitz would pitch in just 2 games for Boston before being purchased by the Baltimore Orioles in mid-May. He'd finish the season, and his career, in Baltimore, going 0-3 in 18 games.

Johnny Schmitz career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=schmijo01)

Aa3rt

11-28-2008, 12:05 AM

Senators Birthdays

Edward Volney Chapman B Nov. 28, 1905 D May 3, 2000

Single Season Senator Ed Chapman would pitch in 6 games for the Senators in 1933. He'd depart after less than 2 months in the majors with an ERA of 8.00.

Ed Chapman career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=chapmed01)

Maurice Montague (Molly) Craft B Nov. 28, 1895 D Oct. 25, 1978

Molly Craft would pitch for the Senators in portions of 4 seasons from 1916 through 1919. He'd appear in a grand total of 29 games, compiling an 0-4 record with a career ERA of 3.57.

"Molly" Craft career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=craftmo01)

James Francis O'Rourke B Nov. 28, 1894 D May 14, 1986

Frank O' Rourke debuted in the major leagues with the 1912 Boston Braves, playing in 61 games, hitting a paltry .121.

O'Rourke wouldn't return to the majors until 1917 when he played in parts of 2 seasons for the Brooklyn Robins.

Out of the majors again in 1919, O'Rourke would be purchased by the Washington Senators. He'd play in 14 games in 1920 and 123 in 1921, primarily as a shortstop.
He'd hit .296 in 14 games in 1920 and .234 in 123 games in 1921.

After the 1921 season, O'Rourke would be part of a 3 team player swap that would send Jose Acosta, Bing Miller and to the Philadelphia Athletics and O'Rourke to the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox would send Roger Peckinpaugh to the Senators and the A's would send Joe Dugan to Boston.

O'Rourke would spend just 1 season in Boston, hitting .264 in 67 games.

Selected off waivers by the Detroit Tigers in October of 1922, O'Rourke would be out of the majors in 1923 but would spend the next 3 years, 1922 through 1924, in Detroit. He'd have his best season at the plate in 1925, hitting .293 in 124 games.

Traded to the St. Louis Browns after the 1927 season, O'Rourke would finish his career with the Browns, his last game coming in late July of 1931.

Frank O'Rourke career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=oroufr01)

Carlos Paula B Nov. 28, 1927 D Apr. 25, 1983

Carlos Paula was covered on April 25th, but to prevent you readers from having to go back a number of pages, we'll review him again here.

Remembered primarily as the man who broke the color barrier with the Washington Senators in 1954, Paula would play for the Senators for parts of 3 seasons.

Debuting in early September of 1954, Paula would appear in 9 games, hitting .167 while playing the outfield.

1955 would be Paula's only full season with the Senators when he'd hit .299 in 115 games. Unfortunately he was also a defensive liability, committing 10 errors in 85 games.

Paula would play in 33 games in 1956, his BA dropping to .183, making his last major league appearance on late June.

Carlos Paula career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=paulaca01)

Wilbur Charles (Roxey) Roach B Nov. 28, 1882 D Dec. 26, 1947

Another Senators Short Timer, Roxey Roach would debut with the New York Highlanders in early May of 1910. Playing shortstop, he'd hit .214 in 70 games. He'd appear in just 13 games in 1911 before being purchased by Jersey City of the Eastern League.

Roach would make it back to the majors in 1912 playing in 2 games for the Senators.

He'd disappear from the major league scene until 1915 when he'd play in 92 games for the Buffalo Buffeds of the short-lived Federal League.

"Roxey" Roach career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=roachro01)

Aa3rt

11-30-2008, 02:35 PM

Senators Birthdays

William Cleveland Currie B Nov. 29, 1928 Still Living

Senators Short Timer Bill Currie travelled through the Boston/Milwaukee Braves and St. Louis Cardinals organizations before being acquired by the Washington Senators in 1954. He'd make his only major league appearances early in the 1955 season. Pitching in 3 games for the Senators he'd give up 6 runs, including 3 homers, 2 walks and 1 wild pitch, departing at the end of April with a 12.46 ERA.

Bill Currie career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=curribi01)

Thomas James Hughes B Nov. 29, 1878 D Feb. 8, 1956

Pitcher Tom Hughes would get his start with the Chicago Orphans in 1900. Pitching for Chicago in 1900 & 1901, he'd jump to the original Baltimore Orioles before the start of the 1902 season.

Hughes would pitch in 13 games for Baltimore, going 7-5 before being purchased by the Boston Americans in July where he'd go 3-3 in 9 games.

1903 would see Hughes post a 20-7 record for Boston, his only 20 win season.

Traded to the New York Highlanders prior to the start of the 1904 season, Hughes would pitch in 19 games for New York, going 7-11, before being traded to the Senators in July, along with Barney Wolfe for Al Orth.

Hughes would find a home in Washington, pitching for the Senators through the end of his career in 1913, although he'd spend the 1910 season with Minneapolis of the American Association.

Hughes best year as a Senator would come in 1908 when he'd post a 18-15 record for Washington.

Tom Hughes career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=hugheto01)

Edgar Ellsworth Leip B Nov. 29, 1910 D Nov. 24, 1983

Second baseman Ed Leip would debut with the Senators in mid-September of 1939. Playing in 9 games, he'd hit .344 in 32 AB.

Purchased by the Pitsburgh Pirates before the start of the 1940 season, Leip would make brief appearances with the Pirates in 1940, 41 and 42, playing in his last game in late April of 1942.

Ed Leip career record (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=leiped01)

Saturino Orestes Armas (Minnie) Minoso B Nov. 29, 1922 Still Living

9 time All Star Minnie Minoso played in 1835 major league games over the course of a 17 year major league career. However, he'd only play 1 season for the expansion Senators at the ned of his major league career.

First appearing with the Cleveland Indians in 1949, Minoso would play in just 9 games for Cleveland.

He wouldn't appear in the majors in 1950 but would return in 1951, playing in 8 games for the Indians before being traded to the Chicago White Sox in late April.

Minoso would hit .324 in 138 games for the White Sox his first full season and would remain on the White Sox roster through 1957, hitting over .300 in 5 of those years.

Traded back to the Indians for the 1958 season, Minoso would hit .302 in both 1958 and 1959 for Cleveland when he was traded back to the Chicago White Sox for the 1960 season. Minoso would play 2 more seasons in Chicago, being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for the 1962 campaign.

Minoso would only play in 39 games for St. Louis in 1962.

Purchased by the expansion Senators before the start of the 1963 season, Minoso would play in 109 games for Washington, hitting .229.

Released by the Senators after the 1963 season, Minoso would be picked up again by the White Sox, playing in 30 games in 1964, hitting .226 before being released in mid-July.

Minoso would make brief appearances in 1976 and 1980 when he became the first player to appear in 5 different dec